Chelsea rocked by Spurs bid as De Zerbi targets summer reunion

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Tottenham Hotspur have submitted an opening bid for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke as Roberto De Zerbi looks to reunite with his former pupil.

The Netherlands international, who could start alongside Virgil van Dijk at the 2026 World Cup, enjoyed an excellent 2025-26 campaign at the AMEX Stadium and he has emerged as a top target for Spurs ahead of the summer window.

Van Hecke made 40 appearances across all competitions for Fabian Hurzeler’s side last season and he helped the Seagulls qualify for the Europa Conference League after an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

The Dutchman has been earmarked as one of Chelsea’s primary centre-back targets for this summer, as the Blues look for a suitable partner for Levi Colwill, but Xabi Alonso’s side are set to face significant competition in the race for his signature.

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has been heavily linked with a summer exit and it’s understood that Van Hecke has been identified as their priority replacement, with De Zerbi having worked with the 25-year-old during his time as Brighton boss.

In fact, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now confirmed that an opening bid has been lodged by Spurs as they intensify their pursuit of the Netherlands star.

It’s reported that Brighton quickly rebuffed the offer as it fell short of their valuation, but talks are ongoing and with Van Hecke’s contract due to expire in 2027, there is a belief that he could be offloaded before Transfer Deadline Day on 1 September.

In addition to Romero, fellow Spurs central defender Micky van de Ven has also been tipped to depart the club, although a large fee will be required to lure him away from the north London club.

Chelsea want Jan Paul van Hecke

Although Spurs have taken action by submitting an opening offer for Van Hecke, both Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in finalising a deal for the Brighton defender, as confirmed by The Telegraph.

Tottenham are hopeful that the presence of De Zerbi will help their cause in the race for the Dutchman’s signature, but Liverpool will be able to offer Champions League football and a starring role following confirmation that Ibrahima Konate will leave on a Bosman deal in July.

Chelsea, meanwhile, can’t offer European football, however they are long-term admirers of the defender, who is reportedly valued at around €80 million by Brighton.