‘In the next days’: Fabrizio Romano shares Fikayo Tomori update as Tottenham and Aston Villa circle

Fikayo Tomori, a name that has garnered significant attention within the footballing world in recent months, finds himself at the center of an exciting and competitive transfer race. The 2024/25 football season has seen Tomori’s performances for AC Milan continue to impress, and as a result, top clubs from across Europe, particularly in the Premier League, are lining up for the opportunity to sign the talented English defender. Among the most interested parties are Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, who are both keen on bolstering their defensive units with Tomori’s skillset. These clubs are not alone in their pursuit, as a variety of European outfits have also shown significant interest in the former Chelsea player, further intensifying the competition for his signature.
Fikayo Tomori’s name has been one associated with promise and potential ever since his breakthrough in English football. The London-born defender, who spent much of his early career at Chelsea, has gone on to carve out a distinguished role for himself at AC Milan. His time in Italy has seen him thrive in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues, where his performances for the Rossoneri have earned him accolades and widespread admiration. As of January 2025, after a string of consistent performances, Tomori is in high demand, with a variety of top-tier clubs wanting to capitalize on his form. His versatility, composed nature under pressure, and technical ability have made him a standout in the Serie A, and now his future looks set to be decided in what promises to be a thrilling transfer battle.
The interest from Premier League clubs, in particular, has been notable. Tottenham Hotspur, a club currently undergoing a period of transition, is reported to be a serious contender for Tomori’s signature. Spurs, under the leadership of their manager, are looking to strengthen their squad, especially in defensive areas, as they aim to return to the upper echelons of the Premier League. Injuries to key defenders have exposed gaps in their backline, and Tomori’s potential arrival would go a long way in addressing these vulnerabilities. Tomori, whose attributes include pace, composure, and the ability to play the ball out from the back, would be a perfect fit for Tottenham’s playing style. His prior experience in the Premier League, where he had previously been involved with Chelsea’s first team, would also ensure that he is well-prepared for the demands of English football.
At the same time, Aston Villa, another club with lofty aspirations in the Premier League, is also keen on signing Tomori. Villa’s rise in the Premier League has been one of the most exciting stories in recent seasons, as they have established themselves as a side capable of challenging the traditional top six clubs. Under their manager, Villa has made significant strides forward, and strengthening the defense has become a key priority for the club. With the potential departure of Diego Carlos, who has been linked with a move away from Villa Park, Tomori could be the ideal replacement. Villa’s ambitions to secure European football, alongside their push for domestic success, make this a crucial transfer window for the club, and adding Tomori would undoubtedly improve their chances of achieving their goals.
The competition for Tomori’s signature has only grown in recent weeks, as additional clubs have entered the race. Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, and West Ham United are among the other Premier League sides keeping close tabs on the situation. These clubs, all of whom are in various stages of development and have different aspirations, view Tomori as a valuable addition to their squads. For many, the opportunity to secure a player of Tomori’s caliber represents a chance to improve their chances of finishing in the higher half of the Premier League table, with the hope that his arrival would bolster their defensive stability and overall squad depth.
Fabrizio Romano, the renowned football journalist, has provided updates on the situation, revealing that Juventus has also entered the fray. The Italian giants, always active in the transfer market, are reportedly planning a new approach for Tomori in the coming days, hoping to finalize a deal. Juventus, who have shown an interest in the player for some time, are said to be particularly keen on bringing him to Turin as part of their ongoing rebuilding project. Having already failed to land their primary January target, Ronald Araujo, Juventus is now turning its focus to Tomori, a player they have long admired. Romano’s update confirmed that Juventus is likely to make a formal approach for Tomori, further intensifying the competition for his signature. The deal that Juventus is reportedly considering involves a loan with an obligation to buy for a total of €30 million, which could prove to be an attractive proposition for Milan.
Despite Juventus’ interest, Tottenham and Aston Villa are not likely to bow out of the race anytime soon. The current interest in Tomori reflects the high regard in which he is held, not only for his club performances but also his potential at the international level. Tomori has represented England at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2020. His continued development at Milan has placed him firmly in the thoughts of England manager Gareth Southgate, who will be keeping a close eye on Tomori’s performances ahead of the 2026 World Cup. A move to either Tottenham or Aston Villa could provide Tomori with the opportunity to showcase his talents in the Premier League and further push for inclusion in the national team setup. This, in turn, could give the 26-year-old added motivation to make a move, especially as he enters the prime years of his career.
So what exactly does Fikayo Tomori bring to the table for potential suitors? The Englishman is a modern centre-back with all the qualities that top clubs look for in a defender. His ability to read the game and make timely interceptions makes him a valuable asset in both defensive and transitional phases. Tomori is also known for his pace, which enables him to recover quickly and deal with opposing forwards in one-on-one situations. In addition to his physical attributes, Tomori is an accomplished ball-playing defender. His passing ability is one of the standout features of his game, with a pass completion rate of 92.4% placing him in the top 8% of defenders in Europe. This proficiency in possession allows his team to build from the back, making him an ideal fit for teams like Tottenham and Villa, who prefer to play out from defense.
Furthermore, Tomori’s versatility allows him to operate in various defensive roles. While he is most comfortable as a left-sided centre-back in a back four, he has also played in a back three or as a right-sided centre-back when needed. This flexibility makes him a valuable option for managers who favor tactical fluidity, as he can adapt to different defensive systems. Tomori’s confidence, leadership qualities, and mental fortitude are also attributes that will serve him well as he looks to make the next step in his career, whether it be at Tottenham, Aston Villa, or another club.
However, the transfer race for Tomori is far from over, and as we head into the final days of the transfer window, it’s clear that Milan’s decision will have significant ramifications for all parties involved. With Juventus planning a fresh approach and the Premier League clubs continuing their pursuit, the situation remains fluid. For Tomori, the decision will not only affect his career but could also influence his chances of making England’s squad for future international tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup. The next few days will likely be crucial in determining where Tomori plays his football for the remainder of the season and beyond.
In the fast-paced world of football, the final few days of a transfer window often bring with them unexpected twists and turns, and the Tomori saga is no exception. Whether he stays at AC Milan or moves to the Premier League or Serie A, one thing is certain: Fikayo Tomori’s future is bright, and his next move could be pivotal in shaping his career for years to come. Fans of Tottenham, Aston Villa, Juventus, and all the other interested clubs will be waiting eagerly for updates, as the battle for one of Europe’s most promising defenders continues to heat up.