Tottenham head into the final stretch of pre-season with genuine momentum on the pitch but significant uncertainty off it, as the club's summer of transformation takes another dramatic turn. Richarlison's last-minute winner gave Roberto De Zerbi's side a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in Sydney, a result made all the more striking given Spurs played almost the entire second half with ten men following Kevin Danso's controversial red card. It was the kind of resilient, character-driven performance that fans have been desperate to see after a season that nearly ended in relegation.

The bigger story, though, concerns the departure of club captain Cristian Romero. Tottenham have agreed a €40 million fee to sell the Argentina international to Inter Milan, with De Zerbi publicly confirming he will respect the defender's wish to leave. Romero's exit strips the squad of its most experienced defensive leader and raises real questions about the backline just weeks before the Premier League season begins.

De Zerbi is clearly aware of the gap. The Italian has already spent close to £240 million this summer, bringing in Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and Jan Paul van Hecke, and has made clear he intends to keep recruiting. Savinho is reportedly pushing for a £60 million move from Manchester City, while Mika Godts has been offered to the club by intermediaries. Holding onto Lucas Bergvall is also a priority, with Newcastle United preparing a £60 million bid and De Zerbi insisting the young midfielder is potentially a top, top player. Spurs host Getafe next on August 8 before the Premier League campaign opens at Brentford on August 22.