Tottenham Hotspur face an important summer after a difficult and inconsistent season. Strengthening key positions in the transfer window will be important if Spurs want to improve and compete next season, no matter what division they are in.
We have now identified five key positions Roberto De Zerbi could look to strengthen as he looks to improve the squad and close the gap on rivals.
The future of Tottenham Hotspur is now in the hands of Roberto De Zerbi, but his arrival is only the start of a bigger rebuild. His style of play needs a certain type of player, and the current squad does not fully match that. For Spurs to move from a team fighting near the bottom to one competing for the top four again, clear changes will be needed.
That reality is already clear. Tottenham are in the relegation zone after a poor run of results, a situation that would have been hard to imagine not long ago. Injuries have made things even worse, with key players like Mohammed Kudus, Cristian Romero, James Maddison, and Guglielmo Vicario all unavailable. Because of this, De Zerbi’s immediate focus is simple, keep the team in the Premier League.
If Spurs can get through this difficult period and secure their place, the focus will quickly shift to the summer transfer window. This article looks at five key positions Tottenham must strengthen ahead of the new season.
Tottenham could sign James Trafford as their new number one
While Guglielmo Vicario has impressed since joining from Empoli, his future at Tottenham is now uncertain. The main concern is his fit in De Zerbi’s system, which requires a goalkeeper who is comfortable playing out from the back. It has been widely reported that Vicario wants a return to Serie A this summer and he’s believed to have already agreed to join Inter Milan.
The club have tracked him for a long time and a move now looks very likely. Tottenham are also facing strong competition for Bart Verbruggen, with both Bayern Munich and Newcastle United interested in the Brighton goalkeeper. This’s a battle Spurs will be keen to win but the competition makes it difficult.
If Vicario does leave, Spurs will need a new number one. Verbruggen is one option while James Trafford remains another key target from Manchester City. Both are being considered as Tottenham look to reshape their goalkeeping position ahead of the new season.
Spurs could turn to Marcos Senesi to strengthen their centre-back options
Spurs’ defence could look very different next season, with both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven linked with moves away. With Romero in particular strongly linked with a transfer, Spurs may need to act quickly to replace him properly.
One player being considered is Marcos Senesi, with talks already reported over a possible move from Bournemouth. In fact, Spurs reached a verbal agreement with Senesi this week over a free summer transfer, but only if they remain in the Premier League.
At the same time, Reports suggest Spurs are planning to sign at least one new centre-back this summer and are carrying out detailed background checks on Giorgio Scalvini as part of their recruitment plans, with Newcastle United, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan all also showing strong interest in the young defender.
Because of this competition, Spurs may find it difficult to land their top targets, but Senesi still remains a realistic option. The Bournemouth defender is already proven in the Premier League, he could make an immediate impact if brought in this summer, even with interest from clubs such as Barcelona, Liverpool and Chelsea.
There’s also positive news around Luka Vuskovic, who has attracted attention from top European clubs after strong performances on loan. However, he has made it clear that he expects to be part of the Spurs squad next season. With possible changes in defence, he could now be given a chance in the first team alongside any new arrivals.
Tottenham should strengthen at full-back this summer
The full-back role is very important in De Zerbi’s system, but Tottenham have struggled when Pedro Porro or Destiny Udogie are not available. The team often loses balance without them, and there are concerns about options in these areas.
There’s also a chance of changes in the squad this summer, with several players linked with moves away from North London. Udogie in particular has attracted interest from Juventus and Manchester City, as both clubs look for modern full-back options. If he leaves, Spurs could be short on the left side, with only Souza and Djed Spence currently recognised as backup options.
To solve this, Tottenham have made contact over a possible move for Andrew Robertson from Liverpool. The 32-year-old is expected to be available on a free transfer in July, and De Zerbi is open to bringing him in during the transfer window.
Another option is Pervis Estupinan, who could leave AC Milan this summer and move to Tottenham. He has worked with De Zerbi before and played very well under him at Brighton. He is familiar with the system and could fit in quickly if he returns.
With Ben Davies not expected to play again this season and his contract also nearing its end, Spurs may need to rebuild the left-back area. Bringing in both Robertson’s experience and Estupinan’s familiarity with De Zerbi’s system would help improve the team and give more balance in that position.
Spurs may look to improve their winger options this summer
The right-wing position has become a concern for Tottenham, especially with the injury problems affecting Mohammed Kudus and De Zerbi’s system relies on direct wingers who can take on defenders and create chances, and the team has lacked that at times this season.
De Zerbi has also highlighted the impact of injuries since arriving, saying it has been a recurring issue. He added that Kudus has picked up another injury and would have been a perfect fit.
In Kudus’ absence, De Zerbi turned to Randal Kolo Muani out wide in his first game in charge against Sunderland and also used him again in the draw with Brighton. But his performances in both matches have not been impressive. Tottenham needs a natural winger who can improve balance and threat in attack.
One of the main targets is Benjamin Nygren. The 24-year-old has impressed at Celtic this season and is seen as a smart signing who could make an immediate impact. Although he’s not a natural right winger, he’s versatile enough to cover that position when needed. Although other clubs are also interested, Spurs are monitoring his situation closely.
Another option is Yan Diomande, who has attracted attention from several clubs including Liverpool. Tottenham are also tracking Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad, while Ian Subiabre remains another young option as talks are ongoing.
Tottenham are expected to strengthen attacking options
Tottenham will need to sign a new striker this summer, with Richarlison likely to leave and Randal Kolo Muani set to return to Paris Saint-Germain after his loan spell. This situation leaves a clear gap in attack that the club will need to address.
Roberto De Zerbi is also expected to reshape the forward line in his first transfer window as he looks to add more goals to the squad. Richarlison is currently the club’s top scorer with 10 goals and 4 assists, but he has played more games than some of the striker options being considered.
One of the main targets is Moise Kean. The Fiorentina striker has been in strong form in Serie A, scoring 34 goals in 77 games over recent seasons. His movement, strength, and ability to lead the line makes him a strong fit for Tottenham.
However, his previous spell in England with Everton was less successful, as he managed just two goals and two assists in 32 appearances. Despite that, De Zerbi is still open to bringing him back to the Premier League, believing his current form shows clear improvement having nine goals and assisted four.
Fiorentina are expected to demand around €50 million for the striker, while clubs like Arsenal and AC Milan are also showing interest. Even so, Tottenham believe he could compete with Dominic Solanke and strengthen their attack.
With Tottenham needing more goals across the team, signing a consistent striker could be one of the most important steps of the summer as De Zerbi looks to reshape the squad.
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