Chelsea 'hold talks' over record deal as two Tottenham stars attract 'Serie A interest'

Chelsea and Tottenham will already be busy preparing for next season as they look to improve on last season’s efforts and secure Champions League returns. Enzo Maresca will feel he has plenty of work to do if he wants to build on the work done by Mauricio Pochettino last season, likely wanting to put his own stamp on his new squad.

As for Ange Postecoglou, he must take the positives from last season and find a way to make his team more consistent following a disappointing end to the campaign. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding both London clubs.

Isak ‘talks’

Chelsea are said to be interested in signing Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak this summer. According to Mail Sport, initial conversations have taken place between Chelsea and the Magpies, with the Blues reportedly making it clear they want to strike a deal.

Though, it’s claimed Chelsea would need to make a record bid of well over £100million to secure the Sweden international, who is a vital part of Eddie Howe’s plans past, present and future. It’s claimed Newcastle are weighing up a new deal, but with Profit and Sustainability issues, they will be well aware than a bid of more than £100million could see them fix many of those issues overnight providing they can find an adequate replacement.

Asked about Isak’s future back in April, Howe said: “I understand the question (about Isak’s future), and why it’s being asked. But it’s a shame for me, and probably for Alex, that the better he does, and the more goals that he scores, that will be the main thing. I think we should just enjoy his performances, how he's playing at the moment. He's full of confidence, he looks physically in a really good place, and I just think it's a great thing to watch him play currently.”

AC Milan eye Spurs men

AC Milan are said to be pushing to land two Tottenham stars this summer, with Corriere della Sera reporting that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Emerson Royal are of interested. It’s reported that Emerson would be keen on a move to Italy but Spurs are said to want around €25m.

Hojbjerg’s situation is less clear given he is currently at Euro 2024 with Denmark, but the midfielder is only under contract until 2025, meaning Tottenham may have a decision to make should a bid come in. Speaking about Hojbjerg - and Bryan Gil - in the winter, Postecoglou said: "Whether that’s Bryan or Pierre who maybe feel they should be playing more, if they made a decision that 'I need to go somewhere else to play', I’m going to replace them with somebody who is going to be a good enough player to play in the Premier League but maybe won’t start, because you need that.

"Pierre has played the last two games. I think he’s probably played just about every game this year. He hasn't started a lot, obviously. Bryan had a couple of injury problems early in the year and probably hasn’t played as much as he would want to, which I understand, but ultimately I’ve got to try to build a squad here that’s going to challenge. That’s only going to happen if I’ve got 20, 22, 23 players who are all of Premier League standard.

"That will mean if it’s not Bryan and Pierre, it’s two other players who will come in and maybe aren’t playing as much, but that doesn’t mean I don’t rate them or don’t think they’re up to the standard, it’s just you need a squad. We’ve seen it more than anyone with injuries we’ve had."