Richarlison, Danso and Sarr want to leave Tottenham, De Zerbi confirms

Roberto De Zerbi has named the players who want to leave Tottenham this summer. Speaking after the 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle United, the Italian coach confirmed that Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr have all formally asked to leave the London club.

The revelation comes at a delicate moment for Spurs, who have now lost their opening two Premier League games and must race to reshape the squad before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.

• Richarlison was left out of the squad against Newcastle after starting the defeat at Brentford.
• Danso told De Zerbi two days ago that he wants to leave, and Sarr has made the same request despite a minor injury.
• The club says the three players can go only if a suitable economic solution arrives.
• Tottenham have spent around £300m this summer after finishing 17th in the Premier League last season.
• Spurs are still looking for late additions and are set to miss out on Cody Gakpo, who is close to joining Manchester City.

De Zerbi reveals Tottenham's three wantaway players in final days of window

The most high-profile name on the list is Richarlison. The Brazilian forward was absent from the matchday squad for Saturday's defeat against Newcastle, having started the previous weekend's 3-0 loss at Brentford.

Richarlison, he said too many times that he wanted to leave. Danso came to me two days ago and said he wanted to leave. Sarr the same, but he also suffered a small injury, but he is almost ready to train.

De Zerbi did not hide the situation and made the club's position clear: there will be no free exits or sales below market value. Tottenham are prepared to let all three players leave, but only if the offers make financial sense for the club.

I love these players and these are great guys. I have very good relationships. But if they want to leave they have to bring the economic solution to the club and they can go, and we'll find other players.

Tottenham's £300m rebuild continues despite late transfer uncertainty

Tottenham have spent around £300m on transfers this summer in a bid to turn around their fortunes after a disappointing 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season. The club has moved aggressively to overhaul a squad that fell far below expectations.

The recruitment team is still working on further signings before Tuesday's deadline. However, one of their main targets has slipped away: Cody Gakpo, the Liverpool and Netherlands winger, is widely reported to be on the verge of an £85m switch to Manchester City.

De Zerbi's reaction to back-to-back defeats against Newcastle and Brentford

The home defeat against Newcastle followed the 3-0 loss at Brentford, raising concerns among a fanbase that has endured inconsistent campaigns in recent years. De Zerbi defended his team's display for large periods of the game and insisted the biggest problem is mentality, not talent.

I'm sorry for the fans, for the environment because after two defeats, maybe somebody can think it's the same story, the same as the last two seasons. I have no doubt it's not like this. I can't change my opinion after two defeats. I have a big, big confidence in the qualities of my players.

The Italian believes Tottenham were the better side until Newcastle's opening goal and stressed that the real challenge is finding the right competitive mindset. "Unfortunately, you can't buy the mentality in the transfer market," he said.

What is at stake for Tottenham before Tuesday's transfer deadline

Tottenham face a tricky scenario in the final days of the window: they need to resolve the futures of three players who want out while continuing to strengthen a project that De Zerbi admits is still taking shape.

Despite the early setbacks, the manager remains convinced the club's plan is the right one. "Football is like a magic thing. You can change many players in one window and find the balance immediately, or you need more time," he said. "The plan and the project of the club is a great plan and a great project."

Tottenham's next chance to respond comes on Saturday 5 September with a trip to Nottingham Forest. By then the transfer window will have closed, and the futures of Richarlison, Danso and Sarr will be settled.

Frequently asked questions about Tottenham's wantaway players