Report: Tottenham Have Stolen a March on Liverpool & Chelsea in the Race for Midfielder

In a bold and strategic move that could reshape the summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur have taken the lead in the race to sign highly-rated Italian midfielder Niccolò Pisilli from AS Roma. The 20-year-old, who has drawn admiration from top clubs across Europe, now looks closest to a Premier League switch — and Spurs appear to be in pole position.

Reports from Italian journalist Sebastien Vidal indicate that Tottenham have already reached an agreement in principle with Roma for the promising youngster, with discussions progressing well between all parties. While the final details of the deal remain under wraps, it is expected that the move could be wrapped up once the FIFA Club World Cup concludes.

The north London outfit has moved swiftly to outmaneuver domestic rivals Liverpool and Chelsea, both of whom have also been tracking Pisilli for several months. According to TEAMtalk, the two clubs had hoped to bring the player to England after monitoring his impressive performances at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Tottenham’s proactive stance highlights a renewed sense of ambition under their current recruitment strategy. The club has made youth development and long-term planning a central part of their post-Kane era rebuild, and Pisilli fits the mold perfectly — young, technically gifted, and brimming with potential.

Pisilli enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Roma last season, establishing himself as a dependable squad option under manager Daniele De Rossi. Despite his young age, he made several first-team appearances and managed to score three goals, showcasing maturity and attacking instincts beyond his years.

Spurs have reportedly been monitoring Pisilli since his standout displays in Italy’s youth system, and his recent showings at the U21 Euros only solidified their resolve. The club’s scouting network has been particularly impressed with his vision, ball retention, and positional awareness in central midfield — all qualities that Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is known to value highly.

While Liverpool and Chelsea remain interested, sources suggest that both clubs may have been caught off guard by Tottenham’s rapid progress in the talks. Liverpool are believed to be focused on reinforcing their attacking midfield options, especially with ongoing uncertainty around Thiago Alcântara’s future. Chelsea, meanwhile, have been linked with a variety of young midfielders, but Pisilli’s immediate desire to play regular football may have influenced his preference.

The lure of Tottenham’s project — including the promise of first-team minutes and development in a dynamic system — appears to have swayed the player and his entourage. If the deal is finalized, Pisilli could join Spurs ahead of their summer tour and be integrated quickly into Postecoglou’s plans for next season.

From Roma’s perspective, the decision to part with Pisilli wasn’t taken lightly. The Italian giants rate him highly, but are also under pressure to balance their books amid Financial Fair Play concerns. Letting go of a youth product with market value allows the club to reinvest in other areas, especially after missing out on Champions League qualification.

For Pisilli, the Premier League represents an exciting new chapter. Known in Italy as one of the most promising midfielders of his generation, he now has the opportunity to test himself against some of the best in the world. His development will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, especially if he makes an immediate impact in England.

Tottenham fans are already buzzing with excitement across social media, praising the club’s decisiveness and vision. “Exactly the kind of signing we should be making,” one supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Young, hungry, and bags of potential. Brilliant move.”

Club insiders have confirmed that Tottenham hope to complete Pisilli’s medical after the Club World Cup, which is scheduled to wrap up in the coming days. Once formalities are complete, an official announcement could be made as early as next week.

This development also suggests that Spurs are not done with their business. Alongside Pisilli, the club continues to work on other targets, including defensive reinforcements and a back-up striker, further proving that this window is being approached with clear intent.

With Chelsea and Liverpool now forced to look elsewhere, Tottenham may have struck early gold in Pisilli. Whether or not he fulfills his immense promise remains to be seen — but the signs, so far, are very encouraging.

As always, fans can expect more twists and turns in this transfer saga. But one thing is clear: Tottenham have taken a decisive early step, and Niccolò Pisilli could be the face of a new midfield generation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.