De Zerbi puts Leao on Tottenham’s shortlist after informal talks with Milan

Reports in the UK claim that Roberto De Zerbi is hoping to add another left-sided forward to his ranks at Tottenham Hotspur, and that the club have held informal discussions with Milan for Rafael Leao, who is part Spurs’s three-player shortlist.

Leao option for Tottenham after record deal for Tonali

Tottenham have made it clear that they are willing to invest heavily in order to avoid a repeat of the 2025-26 season, which almost saw them relegated despite having won the Europa League the year before.

The headline news is that Italy international Sandro Tonali is set to join in a club-record deal worth €116m including bonuses. That is on top of another expensive deal for Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and Jean-Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion. The North Londoners have also brought in proven Premier League experience in Andrew Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Newcastle United FC and Qarabag FK at St James’ Park on February 24, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

If Tottenham bring in another starting-quality left winger, the club’s total summer spend could be approaching the €400m (£350m) mark according to reports from the Independent.

The Independent reports that Tottenham and De Zerbi’s preferred option in attack is AFC Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi, who is said to be valued in the region of €93m (£80m).

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Thursday’s report claims that Tottenham have a shortlist of three players for their left wing position, which also includes Milan’s Leao and Manchester City’s Savinho. The Independent reports that there have been informal discussions regarding Leao between Spurs and Milan.