Tottenham Hotspur could reluctantly sell four of their best young players after a decision made by Roberto De Zerbi ahead of next season.
It was expected that Tottenham would make some big moves in the summer transfer window to back Roberto De Zerbi after he kept the club in the Premier League, but ENIC have gone into overdrive and are showing huge ambition.
They have already announced two genius low-cost signings in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, who have joined the club on free transfers, while also confirming the £52m signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and Hove Albion.
With Ben Davies and Pedro Porro also signing new contracts to remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, De Zerbi now appears to be satisfied with his defensive options heading into next season.
Now, attention has turned to the midfield and the attack, with it being suggested by top Spurs source Paul O'Keefe that the club want to complete seven signings this summer.
Next they are looking to sign at least one central midfielder, as well as a left-winger, right-winger and a centre-forward.
Tottenham are already pushing hard to bring in Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United with the player open to a move, while they are also showing interest in Mateus Fernandes at London rivals West Ham United.
De Zerbi Prepared to Let Young Players Leave
According to O'Keefe, Tottenham could lose some of their best young players this summer.
The additions of Senesi and Van Hecke already suggest that De Zerbi is ready to go with experience in his backline, which has raised doubts over the future of returning loanee Luka Vuskovic.
The 19-year-old Croatian has been the subject of three bids from Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion, with the player said to be keen on the move.
The teenager might not be the last potential exit for a youngster however, with O'Keefe claiming on X that De Zerbi has already decided that he wants senior professionals and that the likes of Vuskovic, Lucas Bergvall, Mathys Tel and Pape Matar Sarr are unlikely to get many minutes next term.
While Tottenham are unlikely to sell all of those players, their resolve could be tested if serious bids are submitted.
Tottenham Must Not Neglect the Future
While the short-term is obviously hugely important for Tottenham as they look to surge back up the Premier League and compete at the right end of the table again, they also need to consider their future as well.
Players like Archie Gray, Bergvall and Vuskovic were signed because the club believed they could be important players for many years, and it would be a long-term risk to cast those individuals aside or make them unhappy now.
De Zerbi needs to find a balance and a blend of youth and experience to ensure Tottenham can keep hold of their best youngsters, rather than seeing players like Vuskovic seek a move elsewhere to play regularly.