Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement in principle to sign forward Iliman Ndiaye as the 2026 summer transfer window enters its final few days. In a related outgoing move, Richarlison is heading back to Everton.
Spurs sit 20th in the Premier League after two games, with zero points, zero goals scored and five conceded. They are six points behind leaders Manchester City.
Securing Iliman Ndiaye represents a significant boost for Tottenham's attacking options. The club fended off interest from Manchester City to agree on the move. This pursuit came after Tottenham's interest in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, valued around £80 million, cooled as the Etihad Stadium became his preferred destination. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk publicly urged his club to keep Gakpo, calling him a "quality player and very important for Liverpool."
Ndiaye's arrival is a direct response to the team's early-season struggles in front of goal. The agreement shows a clear intent to add creativity and goal threat to a squad that has yet to find the net this campaign. You can analyze the current squad's composition on our dedicated squad page.
The final days of the window are seeing frantic activity across the Premier League. Chelsea have officially confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa, and he started for them against Brighton. Liverpool are finalising a massive £106 million agreement for Bradley Barcola, with the France international undergoing a medical ahead of a £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain. Van Dijk also expressed excitement about Barcola, recalling, "He's a good player, someone with pace. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea."
At Arsenal, a major forward reshuffle is underway. Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, 29, is close to a €10 million move to Barcelona. Manager Mikel Arteta once said Jesus 'changed our world' after his 2022 arrival, but injuries including a ruptured ACL in January 2025 have impacted his time in London. Arsenal had to accept a considerable compromise on an initial £20 million asking price. Also, Gabriel Martinelli is set to join Al Hilal.
Richarlison's return to Everton is part of a busy period for the Merseyside club. Everton are also working on a loan deal to bring Jack Grealish back for another season. The 30-year-old spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Goodison Park, but his season was curtailed by a foot injury sustained in January 2026. Richarlison's departure from Tottenham helps balance the squad following Ndiaye's imminent arrival and reflects the club's need to change its attacking dynamic after a poor start.
Barcelona's move for Gabriel Jesus is part of their search to replenish a forward line after Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres left. Head coach Hansi Flick is keen on the Brazilian, but the club maintains the deal does not end their pursuit of Manchester City's Julian Alvarez. They will attempt to complete a deal for Alvarez before Tuesday's deadline, though Atletico Madrid have made it clear they do not wish to sell him to Barcelona.
In other business, Arsenal have completed the signing of 20-year-old right-back Habeeb Ogunneye from Manchester United. Ogunneye, who made 21 appearances on loan at Newport County last season, said: "When I heard (Arsenal) were interested in me, I said to my agents it's a no-brainer." Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso left Enzo Fernandez and Robert Sanchez out of his squad against Brighton.
For Tottenham, the immediate focus shifts to integrating new signings and halting their negative form. With the club rooted to the bottom of the standings, the pressure is on to turn potential into points quickly, starting with the trip to Nottingham Forest.
