Tottenham are close to beating Arsenal to the signing of a West Ham midfielder, despite the Gunners actively pursuing him for weeks.

Tottenham and Arsenal have been shopping in a similar market in the summer transfer window, which might come as a surprise with Spurs not having European football.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side have been incredibly ambitious in the market, which has led to them beating top clubs to the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

All right, this summer has seen a host of academy players move between clubs, with Elijah Upson even leaving Spurs to join Arsenal.

Now Tottenham are looking to get revenge on Arsenal by beating them to the signing of a West Ham youngster.

Tottenham close to Arsenal hijack

via Reuters

According to journalist Isaan Khan, Tottenham are close to beating Arsenal to the signing of West Ham midfielder Isaac Allen in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners were actively pursuing the new midfielder for weeks, but Tottenham are now confident of getting a deal over the line.

Unfortunately, for clubs like West Ham, they are often powerless to keep some of their young talents, especially when big clubs like Tottenham and Arsenal enter the race.

With players not tied down to professional contracts, clubs can come in and swoop them for a nominal fee.

Tottenham losing plenty of young talent

It’s no surprise that Tottenham are looking to poach young talent, as they are already losing lots of young players in the summer transfer window.

Luka Vuskovic has already made the move to Brighton, while a deal has been agreed for Will Lankshear to join Middlesbrough on a permanent deal.

Alfie Devine has also completed a permanent move to Preston North End, while Tynan Thompson has joined Manchester United.

As a result, Tottenham are going to need to bring in young talent themselves, with their primary focus in the window so far being on signing senior players.

One Argentina player is being praised while the rest are being slammed for their actions during Spain’s World Cup trophy lift.

Argentina were beaten by Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday afternoon. Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game in the second half of extra-time as Lionel Scaloni’s side were beaten 1-0.

It all kicked off shortly after the final whistle. Nahuel Molina punched Rodri as he ran past him, Leandro Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat before pushing Gavi to the floor, while Argentina coach Roberto Ayala appeared to hit Dani Olmo.

Argentina Ace Praised For Showing Respect to Spain

Reuters/Jon Durr

Argentina players and staff caused more controversy during the trophy ceremony. Despite Spain giving them a guard of honour as they made their way to the podium to collect their silver medals, Argentina turned their backs on Luis de la Fuente’s side as they lifted the trophy.

Their behaviour sparked outrage on social media, with some labelling them ‘classless.’

Not every Argentina player is being slammed for their conduct following the final whistle, though. Flaco Lopez had very little game-time in the 2026 World Cup.

He made just two appearances as he emerged from the bench against Jordan in the group stage and was also a late substitute against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. In the match against Switzerland, he recorded an assist as Argentina won 3-1 after extra-time.

The 25-year-old was an unused substitute against Spain in the final. Footage has now emerged showing that the Palmeiras striker was the only Argentina player not to turn their back on Spain as they lifted the trophy.

Football fans are praising Lopez. One wrote: “The only one who showed the slightest bit of decency.”

A second said: “Shameful what the rest of the Argentine cast did. Flaco knew how to lose and wasn’t shaken, showed professionalism and character.”

A third wrote: “Considering that ALL his teammates had their backs turned, that was a giant attitude from Flaco. To act differently from the group, you need to have a strong character.”

While a fourth commented: “Flaco López all alone there showing more class than the entire squad.”

Dani Olmo Shares Thoughts on Argentina’s Post-Match Conduct

REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

Barcelona star Olmo gave a classy response when asked to give his thoughts on Argentina turning their backs on Spain during the trophy lift. He said:

Gavi, meanwhile, doesn’t think Paredes should face further punishment despite flooring him after the match. He said: “I don’t think they should be sanctioned.

“I understand it’s not a good image for the younger players, but football also has that violent side. Perhaps the most logical thing would be to send him off during the match. In the end, it’s all football.”

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) are reportedly considering legal action following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

The 2022 World Cup winners reached another final after defeating old rivals England in the semis, but were outclassed by Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game in extra-time after Enzo Fernandez’s red card left Argentina battling with 10 men.

Argentina received widespread criticism throughout this summer’s World Cup, with conspiracy theories claiming FIFA’s match officials were favouring the South American nation gaining significant momentum on social media.

Following Argentina’s 3-2 win over Egypt in the last 16, striker Mostafa Ziko added fuel to the fire by claiming the tournament was “rigged” in favour of the reigning champions.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan added: “They want Argentina and Messi to stay in the World Cup for marketing.”

These claims were categorically denied by Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, who jumped to the defence of French referee Francois Letexier.

“Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” Collina said. “Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.”

Argentina then received heavy criticism in the final, despite suffering defeat to Spain, for their negative tactics followed by their players’ behaviour after the final whistle.

FIFA have launched an investigation into the Argentina players’ post-match conduct following a series of unsavoury altercations, while it’s been revealed that midfielder Leandro Paredes was not sent off, despite initial reports stating that he’d received a red card after the final whistle.

AFA ‘Considering Legal Action’

REUTERS/Lee Smith

However, reports are emerging that the AFA are ‘considering carrying out legal action’ following the ‘spread of misinformation’ about their players during the 2026 World Cup, per Sportskeeda.

The prominent X (Twitter) account All About Argentina (@AlbicelesteTalk), adds: “Early reports indicate that the AFA is considering BIG legal action over the misinformation campaign targeting Argentina’s players during the World Cup.

“The potential defamation lawsuits would reportedly focus on false allegations, manipulated or unverified images, and accusations made without evidence.

“A legal team is reportedly already collecting evidence, including posts, screenshots and other material. Further developments are expected.”

Meanwhile, Argentine outlet La Nacion have published a lengthy article highlighting a selection of the anti-Argentina social media posts that spread throughout the World Cup.

Argentina had the world’s backing four years ago in Qatar, with millions of football fans across the globe all desperate to see Lionel Messi finally get his hands on football’s most iconic trophy.

However, public opinion towards Argentina has undoubtedly shifted over the course of the 2026 World Cup, and it seems the AFA want answers.