Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Spurs appoint De Zerbi as third head coach of the season

Real Madrid prefer Enzo Fernandez over Rodri

Real Madrid have reportedly identified Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as their primary transfer target for the upcoming summer window. According to sources in Spain, the reigning European champions have cooled their interest in Manchester City’s Rodri, instead focusing on the 25-year-old Argentine. Fernandez sparked significant speculation while on international duty, telling media in his homeland that he "would like to live in Madrid" one day, drawing comparisons between the Spanish capital and Buenos Aires. While Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior maintains that Fernandez remains a pillar of his squad, the midfielder's recent comments—coupled with Chelsea’s Champions League exit—have intensified rumors of a potential £100m+ move to the Bernabeu.

Tottenham confirm Roberto De Zerbi as new head coach

In a decisive move to secure their Premier League status, Tottenham Hotspur have officially appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new permanent manager. The former Brighton and Marseille boss has signed a lucrative five-year contract, making him one of the highest-paid managers in the division. De Zerbi, who initially intended to wait until the summer before returning to the dugout, was persuaded to take the reigns immediately following the departure of Igor Tudor. Spurs sit just one point above the relegation zone with seven games remaining, and the club's hierarchy is hopeful that De Zerbi’s expansive, possession-based style can provide an instant uplift starting with their upcoming trip to Sunderland.

Merson: Chelsea face 'big problem' without Champions League

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has warned that Chelsea face a potential mass exodus of star talent if they fail to secure Champions League football for the 2026-27 season. Speaking on the latest run of form under Liam Rosenior, Merson suggested that players like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez "want to play at the big table" and may seek exits if the club finishes outside the top four. Merson highlighted that Chelsea’s current recruitment model—buying young talent to potentially sell for a profit—could be tested this summer if European giants like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich submit substantial bids. With Chelsea currently trailing the top four after four consecutive defeats, the remaining games are seen as a defining period for the club's long-term project.

Cucurella refuses to rule out Barcelona return

Adding to the uncertainty at Stamford Bridge, Marc Cucurella has admitted it would be "difficult to refuse" a return to Barcelona if his boyhood club came calling this summer. The Spanish international, who has seen his future subject to intense speculation in recent weeks, stressed that while he is currently focused on Chelsea’s FA Cup and Premier League commitments, the allure of the Nou Camp remains strong. Cucurella’s comments follow a trend of senior Chelsea players hinting at potential departures, further complicating the task for Liam Rosenior as he attempts to stabilize a squad that has struggled for consistency throughout the 2025-26 campaign.