Tottenham Hotspur face a vital summer transfer window as Roberto De Zerbi looks to rebuild his squad
Tottenham Hotspur are approaching a crucial summer transfer window after staving off the threat of relegation. Roberto De Zerbi fulfilled his primary goal, but the manager will not want to endure another relegation scrap next season.
Spurs have finished 17th in consecutive campaigns and will look to new signings to help turn their fortunes around. Considering the injury problems that have also afflicted Tottenham in recent seasons, a fully available squad would likewise help bolster De Zerbi's side.
"From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team. I think we have now to change too many players," the Spurs manager said following their survival. "We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay."
A hectic summer appears on the cards for Tottenham as the boss looks to reshape his squad. Here is how De Zerbi's ideal XI could take shape next term.
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In goal, Antonin Kinsky put his earlier difficulties behind him and made his case to be number one, regardless of whether Spurs bring in a new goalkeeper this summer. The 23-year-old featured in seven league matches while Guglielmo Vicario, who has attracted transfer speculation, was sidelined through injury and quickly adapted to De Zerbi's approach.
Spurs have made bolstering their defence a key objective after enduring a difficult campaign near the bottom of the table. Andy Robertson brings a wealth of experience at left-back after joining on a free transfer from Liverpool, with the Scotland international hoping to start the season at the top of the pecking order. Pedro Porro retains his place at right-back.
Centre-back has emerged as a position of significant focus. The club have reached an agreement for Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi and have had offers rejected for Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke, who previously worked under De Zerbi at the Seagulls.
The Dutch defender would be well-versed in what the Spurs manager demands and could slot effortlessly into the Tottenham setup should a deal be struck, making him a perfect signing for De Zerbi, though this does raise fresh questions about Cristian Romero's future. Micky van de Ven would take up the left side of a newly-formed centre-back pairing, keeping his place ahead of summer recruit Senesi.
In midfield, Joao Palhinha caught the eye during his loan spell from Bayern Munich and would ideally join Spurs permanently. Several players could partner Palhinha, but De Zerbi placed his trust in Rodrigo Bentancur during the closing stages of last season.
James Maddison was also able to regain fitness for the closing matches of the season and will be keen to make up for lost time, though Xavi Simons offers quality competition for his place. Tottenham felt the absence of Maddison's creative spark in attacking midfield, especially as numerous other forwards also struggled with fitness issues.
Dejan Kulusevski is another player who could prove to be like a fresh signing on the right flank following a season-long injury as he continues his path back to full fitness. On the left wing, the club have rekindled their interest in Manchester City's Savinho.
The 22-year-old has demonstrated considerable potential during his spell at City, and Tottenham could provide the £50m-rated winger with consistent playing time. In attack, Dominic Solanke will spearhead the line for Spurs, despite the club seeking a new striker.
Tottenham's dream XI: Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Palhinha, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Savinho.