Four players Roberto De Zerbi could sign for Tottenham

Roberto De Zerbi is the new head coach of Tottenham Hotspur after signing a long-term contract.

The Italian has been brought in to help save Spurs from relegation, with the North Londoners hovering just a point above the Premier League’s drop zone.

De Zerbi will have to wait for the outcome of that survival bid before transforming the squad in his image, but we’ve looked at four players the new coach could target in the summer.

One of the first names linked with Spurs since De Zerbi’s arrival has been Manuel Locatelli. The Juventus captain is understood to be contemplating a transfer away from Turin, and the Premier League could offer the perfect challenge.

Locatelli has ranked in the top three performers in Serie A for tackles won over the last two seasons and would add a blend of poise and bite that has been lacking this season.

A player De Zerbi knows well, with the new Spurs manager behind the deal that took Baleba to Brighton from Lille in 2023.

With Joao Palhinha’s loan not likely to be made permanent and Yves Bissouma set to leave in the summer, there’s a hole in the defensive midfield role.

Baleba, who ranks in the top eight percent of midfielders across Europe for possession won per 90, would be an ideal option to fill it.

Gabriel Sara has been tentatively linked with a Tottenham transfer in recent days as Spurs look to solve their creative issues. The absences of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Mohammed Kudus through injuries this season have seen Spurs struggle in the final third.

Sara’s performances for Galatasaray earned him a Brazil debut this month, and the 26-year-old has past experience of English football. He produced 25 goals and assists for Norwich in the 2023-24 Championship season before his transfer to Turkey.

Having worked with Kaoru Mitoma at Brighton, De Zerbi will know better than most what the Japanese winger can provide.

Mitoma’s adventurous dribbling would help solve the Heung-min Son-sized hole on the left flank, following the former captain’s exit last summer.

After an injury-disrupted season, Brighton may be willing to cash in for the right offer. Meanwhile, Mitoma will turn 29 next month and may feel now is his last chance for a high-profile move.

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