Daniel Levy and Tottenham sent big transfer warning with Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea deals

Here we take a look at what Tottenham’s rivals for a Champions League place have done so far in the transfer market this summer and what they could possibly do next

Daniel Levy looks on during Tottenham’s Premier League game against Liverpool

It could turn out to be some battle as Tottenham and their rivals fight it out for European football in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign. With Europe not on the calendar for the Lilywhites this season after finishing last term in eighth, Ange Postecoglou and his new Spurs side will be intent on putting things right.

A Champions League spot will be ultimate goal for Tottenham, although that may be easier said than done as the new head coach looks to stamp his mark on the squad and get them playing his attractive brand of football which could take some time.

As Europe’s premier competition is set to undergo a revamp in 2024/25 with four extra teams coming into the equation, the Premier League appear set to benefit with one extra place, meaning a fifth-place finish would result in a place at Europe’s top table come September 2024.

Newcastle United will once again be in the mix after finishing in the top four back in May, while Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa may also fancy their chances of causing a big upset after further strengthening their squads. Liverpool will hope to return to the Champions League at the first time of asking after their struggles last term and Chelsea should also be back in the running under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino.

So how are Tottenham’s Champions League rivals shaping up ahead of the new term and what could they do next? football.london takes a look below.

Man City

Already boasting such a talented squad at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola has added some more quality to his midfield this summer with Mateo Kovacic arriving on a deal from Chelsea. The treble winners aren’t finished there in terms of incomings, however, with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol on the verge of signing after City finally agreed on a £78million fee for the Croat ace.

Guardiola will also have an eye on a new winger before the summer market closes for business following Riyad Mahrez’s move to Al-Ahli. A big loss to lose someone of the Algerian’s quality, City will also have to cope without Ilkay Gundogan, who also contributed regularly when it mattered most, as he is now a Barcelona player.

Arsenal

Arsenal have made a real statement of intent as they look to get their hands on the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004. Leading the Premier League table for the vast majority of last season before falling away in the final few weeks, the Gunners have smashed their transfer record to sign Declan Rice for £105million and also clinched deals for Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.

David Raya, who was heavily linked with Tottenham this summer, could also be a new recruit at the Emirates despite Arsenal already having Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks. There may also be a further attacking acquisition with the club keen on Ajax ace Mohammed Kudus.

Manchester United

The Red Devils made strides under Erik ten Hag last term and they will be looking to move forward as a club once again. Signing a new goalkeeper in Andre Onana who will be better suited to the football the Dutchman wants to play at Old Trafford, Mason Mount has also joined in a big-money move from Chelsea.

United aren’t finished there in terms of splashing the cash as Danish ace Rasmus Hojlund is on the verge of moving to the Theatre of Dreams in a deal that could reach £72million in total. Sofyan Amrabat, who starred for Morocco in the 2022 World Cup, could also sign on the dotted line and add some more quality to United’s midfield.

Newcastle United

The Magpies have also set out their intentions for the new campaign with two very impressive signings. Managing to lure Sandro Tonali to St James’ Park in a £55million deal from AC Milan, the Italian ace could become a vital part of Eddie Howe’s masterplan if he can transfer his excellent form from Serie A to the Premier League.

The signing of Harvey Barnes from Leicester City could also prove to be a very shrewd one with the winger really making a name for himself in the top flight with the Foxes prior to their relegation. Another possible transfer in the offing for Newcastle this summer could be a deal for a right-back, with Southampton’s Tino Livramento tipped to sign, as they look for more competition for Kieran Trippier.

Liverpool

It has been a rather hectic summer at Anfield with incomings and outgoings taking place, most notably in midfield. After letting James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all leave on free transfers, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have completed their moves to Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad respectively over the past week.

Jurgen Klopp has added to his midfield options with deals for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai already wrapped up but they still have more to do in that area of the pitch. Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and Fluminense’s Andre Trindade are players of interest and the Merseyside club will be out to improve their midfield numbers before the season begins.

A new defender could also be on the agenda for Liverpool before the deadline amid previous links with Levi Colwill and Micky van de Ven. Finishing last season in decent form to secure fifth place and having Luis Diaz back to full fitness and Cody Gakpo with more experience under his belt after his January move, Liverpool should be a much tougher prospect in 2023/24.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Having lost key players in the past but always managing to bounce back, many will be expecting Brighton & Hove Albion to kick on even further under Roberto De Zerbi despite Mac Allister’s exit and Moises Caicedo possibly doing the same before deadline day. Robert Sanchez could also be another who leaves the Amex as Chelsea are keen on signing the Spanish shot-stopper.

In terms of incomings, Mahmoud Dahoud and James Milner could prove to be very good additions in midfield and Joao Pedro has added to De Zerbi’s attacking options after joining in a club-record deal. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and centre-back Igor Julio have also joined from Anderlecht and Fiorentina respectively.

Colwill will be a big miss with the defender now set to remain at Chelsea but Brighton are going places under De Zerbi and they will be confident in progressing up the table.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa were transformed following the appointment of Unai Emery as manager and in the end pipped Tottenham to a European spot. The Villans have really made their mark in the summer transfer window and many believe they could kick on even further under the Spaniard.

Youri Tielemans is an excellent signing on a free transfer, with Pau Torres, a player who has been linked with a Premier League move for some time, another fine addition after making his name at centre-back for Villarreal. It could be the signing of Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen in a £51.9million deal that sees Villa climb the table once again and push even higher.

The winger wowed in Germany for his former club and has started the pre-season campaign in very promising form after scoring against Fulham and Brentford. On the back of a strong end to the campaign and a full pre-season under Emery, Villa look like they are really going places.

Chelsea

Extremely active in the transfer market back in January, the Blues have been busy once again with some new faces signing on at Stamford Bridge. Adding to their attack with Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, more will be expected to follow ahead of the new season.

Midfield is very much the priority for Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea right now as they try and strike a deal with Brighton for Caicedo as well as goalkeeper Sanchez. Seeing their midfield numbers drop significantly after parting with Kovacic, Mount, N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the Blues have also lost experience in other areas of the pitch with Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Havertz, Cesar Azpilicueta and Christian Pulisic just some of those to move on.