The summer transfer window isn’t even officially open yet, but Tottenham have not wasted any time in trying to land a few key players for the squad rebuild.

Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi are already through the door for Spurs, while progress is being made over deals to sign Savinho and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Some exits may need to follow to help balance out the remainder of the squad, but that still doesn’t seem set to stop Tottenham from giving Roberto De Zerbi the tools to progress in the right direction for next season.

Even with so many defenders at his disposal, another versatile option could be on their way to North London this summer, as interest ramps up over one star heading to the World Cup.

Maxi Araujo Linked With Tottenham

According to reports from Portuguese outlet Record, via Sport Witness, Tottenham are showing a keen interest in Sporting CP star Maxi Araujo.

The 26-year-old is a versatile option, capable of playing at both left-back and left-wing for the Portuguese outfit, providing a handful of goals and assists along the way.

It’s claimed that Spurs are joined by Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea in the race to land Araujo, while La Liga side Atletico Madrid have also been monitoring a potential deal.

Any move is unlikely to come cheap, as Sporting CP are wanting close to the defender’s £69 million release clause to allow for any talks of an exit.

It’s stated that the club are willing to prepare improved terms on his contract, which currently runs until 2029, but it may take some time to get to those possible discussions.

Sporting are only likely to assess Araujo’s position after the World Cup, where he is set to feature for Uruguay in group games against Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde.

Beyond that point, Tottenham and their rivals may get a clearer picture of the availability of the 26-year-old this summer.

Tottenham’s Left-Back Balance

A move for Araujo may seem slightly unlikely at Tottenham, mainly due to the depth they already have in his primary left-back position.

Robertson’s arrival strengthens that position, which is backed up by Destiny Udogie when he is available, Ben Davies following his contract extension, and Djed Spence when switching to that side.

Throw January signing Souza into the mix, and that makes for five players already taking up that one position, albeit with some versatility in there.

That may need addressing in the window, even before considering further signings, as Souza seems the most likely candidate to leave on loan.

It remains to be seen what De Zerbi will do with the strength in depth, considering the lack of European football for next season, but there may be an opportunity to mix and match his teams more.

Aston Villa are monitoring Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin as they assess options to strengthen their goalkeeping department this summer, sources have indicated.

According to reports, Villa have tracked the Ukrainian international in recent weeks and could move for a new goalkeeper during the current window, depending on how their current options develop.

Unai Emery currently has three senior goalkeepers on the books in Emiliano Martinez, Joe Gauci, and Marco Bizot, but uncertainty continues to linger around the long-term future of his No.1.

Emiliano Martinez Could Finally Depart Aston Villa

Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, famously waved goodbye to the Villa Park faithful after the final home game of the 2024/25 season against Tottenham Hotspur, before a proposed switch to Manchester United collapsed later in the summer. The 33-year-old remained at Villa Park but was subsequently stripped of the vice-captaincy by Emery, although he still played a key role throughout the campaign, making 44 appearances and keeping 14 clean sheets across all competitions.

He also produced a standout performance in Europe, including a clean sheet in Villa’s Europa League final win over Freiburg as Emery’s side secured a 3-0 victory.

Despite speculation surrounding his future, Emery publicly praised the Argentine’s commitment last season, saying: “I understand it completely, everything. Staying here is good news – I am so, so happy. He is the best goalkeeper in the world and his commitment to Aston Villa is massive.”

Back-up goalkeeper Bizot also contributed when called upon, recording five clean sheets in 14 appearances, offering reliable cover across domestic and European fixtures.

However, uncertainty over Martinez’s long-term future has once again emerged, with Villa now understood to be assessing potential replacements should the Argentine depart after the World Cup.

Aston Villa target Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin

WARSAW, POLAND – OCTOBER 11: Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid clashes with Anatoliy Trubin of Shakhtar Donetsk during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid at Wojska Polskiego Stadium on October 11, 2022 in Warsaw, Poland. (Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images)

One of those under consideration is Trubin, who has impressed at Benfica since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for a reported €11million.

The Ukrainian international was a standout performer for Jose Mourinho’s side, keeping 21 clean sheets in 50 appearances as Benfica went unbeaten in the Primeira Liga, although they ultimately finished third, eight points behind champions Porto after a campaign defined by 11 draws.

Trubin also gained attention in Europe last season, famously scoring a last-minute goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League’s league phase to secure Benfica’s progression. However, with Mourinho now back at Madrid, an exodus is expected from Benfica as several key players are rumoured to depart.

Villa are expected to be active in the market and Trubin, whom Shakhtar Donetsk sporting director Dariojo Srna once described as “one of the best in Europe” remains one of several names under consideration as Emery prepares for another important window in the Midlands as they prepare for their return to the Champions League.

There has been plenty of talk about players, staff, journalists and fans struggling to get visas to come into the United States for the 2026 World Cup this summer, but – as first broken by the Athletic – Canada have now refused to grant access to one player.

The man in question is Thomas Partey, who is part of Ghana’s team. The midfielder, who currently plays in Spain for La Liga club Villarreal, was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025. The former Arsenal player has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ghana are based in Boston, USA, but will travel to Canada for their first World Cup match against Panama on 17 June. FIFA, however, have now confirmed in a statement that Partey will not be allowed into the co-host nation.

Partey Denied Visa For Canada Match

Partey comes into the tournament with the allegation over his head, but that has not prevented Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz from naming him as vice-captain for the 2026 World Cup. Following this visa decision from the Canadian government, though, the Black Stars will have to make do without the experienced midfielder for their opening game this summer.

The African team are set to play their first Group L match at Toronto’s BMO Field against Panama, but as now confirmed by a spokesperson at FIFA, Partey will not be involved:

The Canadian government website outlines that, “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.” Partey has been charged, but is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.

England Players Will Likely Face Partey in Boston Fixture

Ghana will also play at least two more games this summer, but both of those will be in the United States – who have granted him a visa. After facing Panama, they will take on England at Gillette Stadium (Boston) on 23 June before closing out Group L against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia) on 27 June.

As Partey is eligible to feature in both games, there will be much media interest in how he is treated by the England players. Indeed, reports have suggested that the FA have already been discussing how to approach the pre-match handshake with the midfielder.

That said, the FA declined to comment when asked if England players would be consulted on the matter.