Caean Couto-Imagn Images

Inter have begun talks for Tottenham target playing in the Club World Cup

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 11:38 AM ET

Inter Milan have made initial contact with Palmeiras over the signing of Richard Rios amid Tottenham interest

New Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is in desperate need of reinforcements this summer.

Spurs have not brought in any fresh faces so far this transfer window, instead opting to make the loans of Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel permanent. They can offer any new signing Champions League football, having qualified for Europe’s elite competition after winning the Europa League.

The midfield is an area that needs addressing, owing to last term’s issues. Tottenham got easily bullied and overrun in the middle of the park for large parts of the season, with none of Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur producing clean and consistent displays. Lucas Bergvall, despite being only 19, was the only shining light in that area of pitch.

Before making any potential additions to the midfield department, Spurs need to make some space in the squad. Bissouma appears to be the likeliest to leave, with the club bosses looking to cash him in this summer. Once Bissouma departs, the club must target an energetic and agile player to replace him.

All-action Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios has emerged as a target for Tottenham. The 25-year-old has been capturing eyeballs and making waves with his dazzling performances for Palmeiras at the 2025 Club World Cup. He has played a crucial role for the Brazilian club to qualify for the tournament’s quarter-finals, where they will be facing Chelsea on Saturday.

However, Tottenham aren’t the only club interested in signing Richard Rios. According to DSPORTS (h/t FC Inter News), Inter Milan have had initial contact with Palmeiras over the signing of Rios, who has a €100million release clause for clubs outside Brazil. But the Brazilian outfit are ready to open negotiations from €30million for the midfielder, who is also coveted by Nottingham Forest and Everton.

Inter Milan have a new manager in place in the form of Cristian Chivu after Simone Inzaghi left to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in May. The Nerazzurri, who were smashed 5-0 by PSG in the Champions League final, finds themselves in a rebuilding phase with Chivu at the helm. They have been successful in Serie A in recent years under former boss Inzaghi and possesses the pull to attract top talents from different parts of the globe.

Thus, Inter making initial contact with Palmeiras over Rios’ signing is a concern for Tottenham. The Colombian international has the mix of technical skills and physicality to thrive in Frank’s system at Spurs, whilst being an instant upgrade on Bissouma. At 25, he certainly has his best years ahead of him which could make him a strong long-term investment at N17.

If Tottenham does hold concrete interest in the player, Daniel Levy must compete with Inter to get Rios’ signature.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: