Inter Milan are reportedly intensifying their efforts to sign Tottenham Hotspur's Djed Spence, with the England international emerging as their primary target to fill the crucial right-back position. This renewed focus comes after the Serie A champions experienced two frustrating setbacks in their pursuit of defensive reinforcements this summer.
Inter's Right-Back Conundrum
The Nerazzurri have been actively seeking a successor for Denzel Dumfries, who departed earlier in the transfer window. Their initial attempts to secure a new right-back have been fraught with difficulty. Inter were reportedly on the verge of signing Marco Palestra from Atalanta, only for Chelsea to intervene with a more lucrative offer, effectively hijacking the deal and leaving Inter's management, particularly Giuseppe Marotta, reportedly furious.
Following the collapse of the Palestra deal, Inter turned their attention to Amer Khalaili. However, this move also fell through at the eleventh hour. Reports indicate that Khalaili's transfer was cancelled due to failed medical tests or a refusal by CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) to grant him sporting eligibility, despite contracts having already been agreed. These consecutive failures have underscored the urgency for Inter to secure a reliable option for the right-back role as pre-season preparations gather pace.
Spence: A World Cup Breakout Star
Djed Spence, the 25-year-old Tottenham Hotspur wing-back, has now been identified as Inter's leading candidate. His stock has significantly risen following an impressive showing at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where he represented England. Spence's performances on the global stage, including notable cameo appearances and a crucial defensive intervention in the semi-finals, have reportedly caught the eye of several top European clubs.
Spence is no stranger to Italian football, having spent the latter half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Genoa. This previous experience in Serie A could prove beneficial for his adaptation to Simone Inzaghi's tactical system at Inter. Tottenham are understood to be demanding a fee in the region of €30 million, with some reports suggesting it could reach as high as £40 million, to part ways with the highly-rated defender.
The Financial and Tactical Implications
For Inter, securing Spence would represent a significant investment, particularly after the financial outlays for other targets. The reported asking price from Tottenham is substantial, and Inter's ability to free up the necessary budget will be a decisive factor in any formal approach. The club's financial strategy, overseen by CEO Giuseppe Marotta, will be under scrutiny to ensure compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations while still strengthening the squad for a demanding season that includes domestic titles and Champions League football.
Tactically, Spence offers versatility, capable of playing as a right-back or a right wing-back, which aligns perfectly with Inzaghi's preferred 3-5-2 formation. His pace, dribbling ability, and defensive work rate would provide a dynamic presence on the right flank, crucial for both attacking transitions and defensive solidity. His World Cup experience also suggests a player capable of performing under pressure at the highest level.
What it means for Inter and Tottenham
For Inter, landing Spence would finally resolve a critical defensive vacancy that has proven difficult to fill. It would provide Inzaghi with a quality option who can contribute immediately and potentially grow into a long-term starter. The successful acquisition would also signal Inter's continued ambition to compete at the pinnacle of European football, despite recent transfer market frustrations. It would be a statement of intent, demonstrating their ability to attract top talent even when faced with stiff competition.
From Tottenham's perspective, a sale at the reported price would represent excellent business for a player who has seen his value soar. While Spence has become an important player for the Lilywhites, particularly since the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign, a significant cash injection could be reinvested into other areas of the squad as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to refine his team. The club has reportedly been focusing on player departures to balance the books, and Spence's sale could facilitate further incoming transfers.
What's next
Negotiations between Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur are expected to intensify in the coming days. Inter's management will need to finalise their budget and prepare a formal bid that meets Tottenham's valuation. The player's desire to move to San Siro, especially given Inter's Champions League participation and recent Serie A title, could play a crucial role in expediting the deal. Should this transfer materialise, it would mark a significant piece of business in the summer transfer window, with both clubs looking to optimise their squads ahead of the 2026/27 season. The World Cup 2026 has undoubtedly amplified Spence's profile, making this a high-stakes negotiation for all parties involved.
Sources
- Inter Milan Targets Wilfried Singo Signing - YSscores
- Spence Emerges as Inter's Third Attempt to Solve Right-Back Crisis - SempreInter.com
- Inter preparing formal bid for Djed Spence - The Cult of Calcio
- Inter Milan ready to offer £40m to sign Tottenham star Djed Spence - To The Lane And Back
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