Roberto De Zerbi looks to strengthen Tottenham’s attacking options ahead of next season after securing their Premier League status
Roberto De Zerbi is already working hard to transform Tottenham for next season (Image: Getty Images)
Roberto de Zerbi has revealed his ambitions to build his ‘dream’ Tottenham team this summer as the club looks to firmly end the relegation battle. The north London side secured their place in the top flight with a 1-0 win over Everton last Sunday. This result also means that West Ham will be competing in next season’s Championship football.
The Italian manager has won three of his first seven games and Spurs have their sights set on at least a return to the top half.
De Zerbi wasted no time in outlining his rebuilding plan after the win over the Toffees, declaring that while significant “changes” will be needed across the squad this summer, a core group of 12 players will remain.
He said: “From tonight we have to organize and start building a new team. I think we have to replace too many players now. We have 10, 11, 12 players who are enough to stay. Enough is enough. I like the players. I especially like the people. And we have to complete the team with first-level players.”
He added: “My goal is to start the preseason with my dream team.” An overhaul of the duds offense appears to be the most pressing concern among the changes needed for the Spurs.
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The forward trio of Richarlison, Matthijs Tell and Randall Kolo Muani collectively collected just 15 league goals over the entire season. According to the Daily Mail, one of the players De Zerbi is said to be eyeing is Manchester City winger Savinho.
The Brazilian was the subject of an approach from Spurs last summer, but manager Pep Guardiola kept him at the Etihad Stadium after failing to secure a suitable replacement. The 22-year-old has only scored one goal in the league this season, but given the fitness issues affecting Dejan Kulusevski and Mohamed Kudus, he could give Spurs a new impetus on the right-wing.
Spurs are interested in signing Manchester City forward Savinho (Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Sabinho prepared for a move to north London last year and could still be interested in a move given his limited playing time at City. City are said to be asking for £60m (double the amount they paid when he signed for Girona in 2024) for the attacker, but it remains unclear whether Spurs will shell out a hefty fee despite the flashes of quality he showed during his time in Manchester.
Another potential offensive addition would be Crisencio Somerville. The West Ham star was relegated to the Premier League for the second time since losing to Leeds in 2023, but was prolific in front of goal in the early stages of the season, scoring in four consecutive league games.
According to Voetbal International, De Zerbi is keen to sign the Dutchman, with Gazzetta dello Sport saying he is valued at £35m. The 24-year-old’s speed, dribbling prowess and composure in front of goal will give Spurs the wide-ranging attacking threat they have sorely missed this season.
Crisencio Somerville has scored five goals in the league this season (Image: Getty Images)
The additions of Sabinho and Somerville will undoubtedly breathe new life into Spurs’ wide range of options. And with James Maddison back to full fitness, the 29-year-old will look to regain a creative role after being sidelined for virtually the entire season due to injury.
However, the No. 9 position continues to be a major headache for De Zerbi, with Dominic Solanke scoring just three league goals this injury-hit season.
Richarlison finished the season as the club’s top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions, but with one year remaining on his contract, AS reports that the Brazilian is ready to leave. After four years at the club, his potential departure would leave a huge hole in the attacking third.
Santiago Jimenez has failed to score a league goal for AC Milan this season (Image: Getty Images)
Spurs’ options for a new forward will be further limited if European football fails to attract promising signings, but Spurs could be interested in signing AC Milan striker Santiago Jimenez. According to reports in Mexico by Sport Witness, the 25-year-old is open to leaving Italy after failing to score in 16 league appearances.
The Mexico international is an untested prospect in English football, but given his current valuation of £15m according to Transfer Markets, he could be a smart acquisition by De Zerbi as cover for Solanke.
Tottenham’s dream attack for next season: Savignho, Maddison, Somerville, Solanke
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