Spence more expensive than Khalaili but Inter prepare for Tottenham talks
Quick summary
Inter Milan are preparing to open negotiations with Tottenham for defender Djed Spence, who is reportedly valued higher than another target, Khalaili.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceReports in Italy claim that Tottenham defender Djed Spence would be more expensive than Anan Khalaili for Inter, but the Nerazzurri are still willing to open talks with Spurs.
Inter are looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid after the Merengues agreed to match his €20m release clause.
Inter ready to enter talks with Tottenham for Spence
Inter’s primary target, Marco Palestra, joined Chelsea instead, while Khalaili failed his medical tests this week, leaving the Serie A title holders still in need of a new right wing-back.
Gazzetta, Sky Sport Italia and Corriere dello Sport claim that Spence is quickly becoming Inter’s favourite target, although the Nerazzurri are still assessing and have a long shortlist, which includes Strasbourg’s Guela Doué, among others.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JULY 05: Djed Spence #25 of England clears the ball in front of Santiago Gimenez #11 of Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico and England at Mexico City Stadium on July 05, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) These sources claim that Spence would be more expensive than €25m-30m, the fee that the Nerazzurri were ready to invest to sign Khalaili, who was ready to complete a permanent €25m deal plus €5m add-ons.
Despite that, according to Sky, the Nerazzurri are still determined to enter talks with Tottenham.
Informal contacts have already taken place and even involved Cristian Romero, but the Argentine centre-back would be even more expensive than Spence as Spurs have demanded €50m.
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What happened
Inter Milan are advancing plans to strengthen their squad with Tottenham's Djed Spence. However, the asking price for Spence is reported to be higher than that of alternative target Khalaili. The Italian club is preparing to enter formal talks with Tottenham to negotiate terms, balancing their budget against the cost of the English full-back/wing-back.
Chance analysis
Inter's interest in Spence signals a need for depth and competition in wide defensive areas. The price differential between Spence and Khalaili suggests Inter may have a fallback option, giving them negotiating leverage. If a deal materializes, it would provide a versatile defensive option, though the higher cost may impact other transfer priorities this window.
If Inter sign Spence, their defensive/wing-back depth improves positively, though the high cost may limit other summer signings.
Monitor Inter's defensive depth and transfer activity; a completed signing of Spence would strengthen their backline options for upcoming fixtures.