Six new signings have arrived at Tottenham Hotspur so far this summer, and the higher-ups are busy working behind the scenes to further strengthen Roberto De Zerbi's squad.
Spurs have shown they mean business, forking out a staggering £237 million thus far and breaking their club transfer record in the process. Sandro Tonali arrived from Newcastle United for £100 million, and the transfer chiefs aren't done there as they are reportedly looking to swoop for Liverpool's Cody Gakpo and Manchester City's Savinho.
De Zerbi's defence has been a major focus, and Jan Paul van Hecke may well have replaced Cristian Romero, who looks to be on his way to Inter Milan. The Dutchman reunited with his former manager when he made a £52m switch from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Tottenham Close to Agreeing Van de Ven Contract
Van Hecke will be battling it out with fellow new signing Marcos Senesi for a starting berth in De Zerbi's defence. They are unlikely to displace Micky van de Ven, who remains one of the Lilywhites' most important players.
Spurs appear to acknowledge Van de Ven's importance and they are reportedly pressing ahead with efforts to get him tied down to a new deal. A top club insider reports that the Dutch centre-back is "close to agreeing a new long-term contract."
Van de Ven's future had been the subject of speculation heading into the summer transfer window following last season's relegation battle. He has three years remaining on his contract but links with Liverpool and Manchester United pointed towards a potential big-money exit.
The 25-year-old, sitting on a purported £90,000 per week, has earned plaudits throughout his time in North London, having arrived from Wolfsburg for around £43m in August 2023. He now looks set to extend his stay with the Lilywhites as De Zerbi bids to take the club back to European qualification next season.
Massive Boost For De Zerbi
Van de Ven is one of the Premier League's best defenders and despite a frustrating past season for the club and himself, he will be a key man for De Zerbi. Getting his future sorted out before the new campaign begins is just as important as the new signings made.
The Dutchman, dubbed "world-class" by Jamie O'Hara, proved effective in front of goal last season, managing seven goals in 45 games across competitions. At the back, he perhaps wasn't at his usual best, but that came amid Spurs' disastrous campaign as a collective.
De Zerbi may have been a factor in the decision to extend his stay, given the Italian coach has a clear plan for his team moving forward. He'll be hoping the Netherlands international reclaims his status as an elite-level centre-back who can handle any attacker on his day.