Roberto De Zerbi is surely considering making a controversial transfer decision after watching Tottenham Hotspur suffer a disastrous 3-0 defeat away to Brentford in their Premier League opener.
After spending over £200 million on a major rebuild, Spurs have been tipped to return to European qualification contention this season. That was until De Zerbi's men were deservedly beaten at the Gtech Community Stadium, and at times they were their own worst enemies.
Keane Lewis-Potter gave the Bees the lead in the 12th minute before Vitaly Janelt capitalised on a poor piece of goalkeeping from Antonin Kinsky to make it two-nil in the 33rd minute. Halftime didn't change the course of the game as Michael Kayode added a third in the 49th minute.
This was the first time Spurs had conceded three goals in a game under De Zerbi, and it brought back memories of last season's struggles. While his transfer chiefs look at Cody Gakpo and Savinho to bolster his attack, it's between the sticks that the Lilywhites should consider focusing on before the transfer window closes on September 1st.
Brentford 3-0 Tottenham: De Zerbi Needs New Number One
Kinsky put a horror showing against Atletico Madrid in March behind him once De Zerbi replaced Igor Tudor, and the Czech goalkeeper has since become his new manager's number one. Many will point to his outstanding save in a 1-1 draw against Leeds United as evidence that he has the makings of an excellent shot-stopper.
That said, the 23-year-old never truly fills you with confidence, especially on the ball, and his glaring mistake for Brentford's second goal is hard to ignore. He's still young and has room to grow, but if De Zerbi wants to return his side to Europe, he needs a more trustworthy first-choice goalkeeper.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Antonin Kinsky's goals prevented against Brentford were -17, per SofaScore.
The solution is Emiliano Martinez, whose future is in doubt following Zion Suzuki's arrival at Aston Villa. The Japanese star is set to replace the Argentine as Unai Emery's new number one, and Juventus' decision to sign Guglielmo Vicario instead of the 33-year-old has opened the door for Spurs.
The North Londoners have been linked with Martinez, who had been set to join Juve before they pulled the plug due to an £8.5 million asking price. That fee is more than reasonable for a World Cup-winning shot-stopper who has years of experience in the top flight.
Martinez Might Have Lloris' Approval
Martinez is a polarising character, and his Arsenal roots could put a fair few fans off, but if he is happy to join Spurs, he'd be a worthy short-term number one for De Zerbi. Moving for the Argentine allows Kinsky to further develop as his understudy, learning from a Yashin Trophy winner.
While Martinez has had issues with the club's former goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, the Frenchman praised him in March 2025. He told Argentine outlet La Nacion:
"I like Dibu. There are many questions about his personality, but I know he's someone who adds a lot of value. He has a great personality on and off the field. And while he's criticized for how he sometimes behaves during penalties, I think he does very well and is defending his goal, his country, his club. He's one of the best at penalties, if not the best."
De Zerbi knows how to handle big characters and could benefit from Martinez's experience and leadership, as divisive as it may be. He's a loose cannon, but one that plays with passion, and this type of personality might help raise the standards after an alarmingly poor loss away to Brentford.