Roberto De Zerbi Demands Top-Tier Attacking Signings as Tottenham Overhaul Shifts Focus

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto de Zerbi has publicly signaled that the club’s summer recruitment drive is far from complete, declaring a priority need for high-caliber attacking additions to finalize his squad rebuild. Speaking after initial defensive and midfield reinforcements were secured, De Zerbi emphasized that Spurs must acquire “first level” targets in forward areas to establish genuine tactical depth and goalscoring consistency ahead of the new campaign.

The directive follows significant work in restructuring the roster, highlighted by the marquee £92.5 million acquisition of midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United. Tottenham have also added defender Jan Paul van Hecke, full-back Andy Robertson, and midfielder Mateus Fernandes to strengthen their core, addressing critical flaws exposed during a grueling previous campaign where the club relied on a late-season resurgence involving veteran Rodrigo Bentancur to avoid relegation.

However, reporting from The Athletic highlights that despite recent defensive upgrades, Tottenham have yet to fully resolve the attacking void created by the departures of historic goalscorers Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. While current options such as Dominic Solanke, Mohammed Kudus, and Xavi Simons have shown potential, De Zerbi insists that adding front-line quality remains non-negotiable for his new project.

“The target now is to complete the attacking positions,” De Zerbi stated, adding that the club requires a couple more established figures to compete effectively. To address this, Spurs retain active interest in Manchester City winger Savinho, whom they unsuccessfully bid for last summer. Savinho’s potential arrival would reunite him with Xavi Simons, with whom he shares a background from their time at PSV Eindhoven.

In goal, a clear tactical shift is unfolding under De Zerbi. Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was left off Tottenham’s 35-man pre-season tour to Australia and New Zealand, officially due to a minor physical issue. However, unlike previous pre-season trips where injured players traveled with the first team, Vicario remained in London. His absence strongly indicates an impending departure, particularly following his recovery from hernia surgery last season.

In his place, Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky has positioned himself as the preferred option. Kinsky’s superior distribution and composure on the ball align directly with De Zerbi’s insistence on building play from the defensive third—a core element of the Italian manager’s tactical philosophy that requires the goalkeeper to function as an extra outfield player under pressure.

Tottenham’s pre-season tour has also brought various squad uncertainties to the forefront. Young Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall was included in the travelling party despite expressing a desire to leave earlier in the window. Spurs recently rejected formal transfer offers for Bergvall from both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. Addressing the situation, De Zerbi reiterated his intention to maintain strict internal competition, offering two viable options per position while noting that solutions will be found if a player wishes to depart.

Conversely, midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was omitted from the tour due to personal reasons and extended leave, with his long-term role at the club currently at a crossroads amid increased midfield competition. Meanwhile, Bentancur—who signed a contract extension last October—is expected to anchor the central unit alongside Tonali once fully match-fit.

To balance these substantial investments, Tottenham have systematically liquidated secondary assets to satisfy financial requirements. Striker Will Lankshear was sold to Middlesbrough, while fellow academy products Alfie Devine and Luka Vuskovic have also been moved on, generating direct revenue to support De Zerbi’s remaining transfer priorities.