nytimes.com are in negotiations with Inter Milan regarding the potential transfer of England international Djed Spence, with discussions centering on a fee in the region of €30 million (£25.6m), according to BBC reports. The 26-year-old defender has emerged as a key target for the Serie A champions, who are searching for a new right-back following the departure of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid.
Inter Milan in Advanced Talks Over Djed Spence Deal
While reports indicate that Inter Milan are confident a total package worth around £30 million will be sufficient to secure the transfer, conflicting valuations have persisted. Italian outlet Calciomercato reported that Tottenham’s initial demands were closer to £34 million, though both sides have continued working toward a compromise. Spence has reportedly greenlit the move to Milan and is in line to sign a four-year contract under coach Cristian Chivu once the clubs finalize an agreement.
Evaluating the Valuation Gap and Squad Depth at Tottenham
Spence joined Tottenham from Middlesbrough in July 2022 in a deal worth up to £20 million. After enduring initial difficulties under Antonio Conte and spending time on loan at Rennes, Leeds United, and Genoa, he broke into the first team under Ange Postecoglou, helping Spurs win the Europa League in the 2024–25 campaign. He was subsequently rewarded with a new long-term contract in August 2025 and made his senior England debut the following month.
Despite his recent contributions—including featuring heavily under subsequent managers and making eight appearances during England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals—Spence faces crowded competition for playing time in north London. Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has established Spain’s World Cup winner Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie as his first-choice options at right-back and left-back. Furthermore, Spurs signed Andy Robertson from Liverpool earlier in the summer and added young Brazilian prospect Souza, while Archie Gray can provide cover on the right. With Tottenham out of European competition for the upcoming season, Spence’s minutes could have been limited.
Broader Premier League Interest and Serie A Precedents
Before negotiations advanced with Inter Milan, several other clubs monitored the defender’s situation. Everton expressed interest earlier in the summer, and a host of other Premier League sides—including Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa—were reportedly offered the opportunity to sign Spence. However, Tottenham’s earlier valuation of around £45 million proved prohibitive for those prospective suitors before talks with Inter accelerated.
Should the transfer go through, Spence will join a growing contingent of English players plying their trade in Italy’s top flight. Already this summer, players such as John Stones, Trevoh Chalobah, Jay Robinson, and Harry Winks have moved to Serie A, following earlier arrivals like Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jamie Vardy, Lloyd Kelly, Jonathan Rowe, and Brooke Norton-Cuffy. For Spence, the move offers an opportunity for regular football at San Siro and a return to Italian football following his previous loan spell with Genoa.
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