Spence completes Inter move as Serie A raids Premier League

England full-back Djed Spence has completed a move to Inter Milan, signing a five-year deal with the Serie A champions, according to the BBC. The transfer sees the 25-year-old leave Tottenham Hotspur for Italy, where he will join Ruben Amorim's AC Milan's cross-city rivals in a significant summer of movement between the Premier League and Serie A.

The BBC reported the deal on Saturday, noting Spence makes the switch to Italy after a spell in north London. The transfer is part of a broader pattern this window, with the Guardian's transfer roundup also highlighting Aston Villa's move for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma, as Italian clubs continue to feature prominently in Europe's transfer market.

For Serie A, Spence's arrival represents a coup: a player with England international pedigree choosing Milan over a Premier League stay. It follows a trend of high-profile moves into Italian football, with the league's clubs increasingly competitive in attracting talent from England's top flight.

The transfer is a notable statement for Inter, who have strengthened their defensive options ahead of the new campaign. Spence, who can operate at right-back or wing-back, adds pace and attacking thrust to a squad that has dominated domestically in recent seasons, per the BBC's coverage of the deal.

The Guardian's transfer roundup placed Spence's move alongside other cross-Channel business, noting Aston Villa's pursuit of Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as clubs look to Italy for emerging talent. The Suzuki deal, if completed, would see a Japanese international move to the Premier League, underscoring the two-way flow of players between the leagues.

For Tottenham, Spence's departure continues a squad rebuild, with the club offloading a player who struggled for consistent starts. The BBC noted the England full-back's move comes after a period of uncertainty about his future at Spurs, and the five-year contract signals Inter's long-term commitment to the player.

The move also has implications for the wider Italian game. Serie A's ability to sign established internationals like Spence, alongside emerging prospects, reflects the league's growing financial muscle and appeal. As the Guardian's transfer coverage noted, Italian clubs have been active across Europe this window, with Serie A Femminile also seeing significant investment in the women's game.

Spence is expected to compete for a starting role immediately, with Inter's pre-season preparations underway. The club's fans will hope his arrival bolsters a squad aiming to defend their title and make a deeper run in European competition, as the BBC's report suggested the transfer is part of a wider ambition to build a squad capable of sustained success.