Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi may have his eye on Manuel Locatelli ahead of what is set to be a summer of change in North London.
It has been a dismal year for Spurs, who have turned to the former Brighton boss as they hover above the Premier League relegation zone.
De Zerbi has had previous success in England, having guided the Seagulls to the Europa League in 2023.
Though the job that put him on the radar of clubs across the continent came in his native Italy, where his Sassuolo side became one of the most intriguing in the nation.
Locatelli joined up with the Neroverdi and De Zerbi in 2018 after progressing through the AC Milan academy, before the 46-year-old played a huge part in launching his career at the top level.
MORE SPURS STORIES
🚨 TOTTENHAM TRANSFER HUB 🚨
Breaking N17 recruitment news: Top targets, deals in progress, whispers, signings, departures, contract updates.
Manuel Locatelli was the beating heart of Robero De Zerbi’s Sassuolo
Sassuolo is one of, if not the smallest, club in Serie A, with the Emilia-Romagna town having a population of just over 40,000.
Though under De Zerbi, they continued to punch above their weight – becoming one of the league’s most entertaining teams in the process, alongside Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta.
Following promotion to Serie A for the first time in the club’s history in 2013, the Neroverdi remained inconsistent in the top-flight, before De Zerbi guided them to eighth in his second year – the highest finish in their history – missing out on the Europa League on goal difference.
Operating as the link between defence and attack, Locatelli took on somewhat of a ‘hub’ role in midfield, with everything going through him.
The same style of play seen at Brighton was present, with defenders looking to invite pressure, before quickly popping the ball into midfield.
And this was where Locatelli shone, with his speed of thought, excellent passing range and intelligence all coming to the fore – allowing the mercurial talents of wideman Domenico Berardi to take on a talismanic role in the final third.
As a result, both Berardi and Locatelli would be called up to the Italian national team ahead of the rescheduled Euro 2020 tournament, which the Azzurri ended up winning.
Moving on to Juventus that same year, it has not been plain sailing for the midfielder, with the Bianconeri’s crisis era heavily impacting this.
With an overhaul set to take place over the summer, a Locatelli and De Zerbi reunion could be something that the Spurs boss is looking for.
Tottenham are in need of a big summer overhaul
It goes without saying that it has been a dismal year for the Lilywhites, who somehow find themselves in a relegation battle.
With multiple players set to leave over the summer months, De Zerbi will be able to fully make his mark on the side – one that is his own.
There aren’t many players out there who sum up De Zerbi’s style of play more than Locatelli, who is capable of not just feeling the tempo of a match but also being able to progress play excellently with his passing range and intelligence.
Spurs have been in crisis for multiple years, leaving them in need of big changes should they secure their Premier League future.
And when it comes to their recruitment, Locatelli should be the first man that Tottenham look to bring through the door.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access
Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.