Tottenham's Transfer Ambitions: De Zerbi Targets Last Signing
Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear: Tottenham’s transfer business is not done yet.
With the window ticking towards Tuesday’s 11pm deadline, the Spurs head coach wants one more signing – and the club’s growing interest in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo sits right at the heart of that push.
Spurs are understood to be keen on the Dutchman and are expected to ramp up their efforts in the final days of the window, as De Zerbi looks for what he called “one player more in one specific position”.
“I didn't expect a transfer window like we have done,” he admitted on Friday, reflecting on a hectic first summer in charge. The message, though, was not of frustration, but of ambition. He wants one last piece to complete the early version of his Tottenham rebuild.
The Italian revealed the club’s hierarchy are aligned with him. “Yesterday we went to dinner with the owners, Johan [Lange, sporting director] and Vinai [Venkatesham, chief executive] and we spoke about this,” he said. “All of us are on the same page and a very good connection.”
That alignment sets up a frantic finale to the window. Tottenham expect to be busy right up to the cut-off, not only with potential arrivals but also with players heading for the exit.
De Zerbi has already drawn a firm line in the dressing room.
“I've been very clear with all the players: if you speak clearly you can't expect surprises,” he said. “The players who wanted to leave have left. We maybe have some players who want to leave and they are waiting, we are waiting for an offer.
“You have to feel proud to stay here. It's an emotional project we are building with new players.”
Those words underline the cultural shift he is trying to drive: Spurs as a destination, not a stepping stone. Stay, and you buy into the project. Leave, but do it with honesty and clarity.
One of the unresolved stories is Pape Matar Sarr. The midfielder has drawn interest throughout the window and has yet to feature in Tottenham’s opening two league games, fuelling speculation over his future.
De Zerbi insisted there is no fitness issue holding him back. “Pape is good [fitness-wise]. We have to see in the last days of the transfer market what can happen with him,” he said.
So the picture is sharp. One more signing targeted. A high-profile pursuit in Gakpo. A handful of players waiting on offers. And a head coach who has nailed his colours to the mast: pride, clarity, and one last move before the window slams shut.
