Tottenham should already be mobilising to snatch one of Chelsea's reported transfer targets this summer. Roberto De Zerbi has a to-do list as big as his arm this summer as he bids to turn a relegation-battling team into one that is capable of fighting for Europe next season.
To their credit, Spurs have made a quick start, snapping up Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, while Savinho looks to be a likely signing from Manchester City. But it's going to take more than three new signings, with this squad needing to be overhauled, while another centre-back is likely needed to fill a gap that will almost certainly be left by Cristian Romero.
Spurs have a big striker need
With Randal Kolo Muani heading back to PSG after an unimpressive loan spell, Spurs have a clear need for at least one new striker, while uncertainty over Richarlison's future could take the number up to two.
Dominic Solanke was a big investment by the club, but he has not been able to stay fit consistently, and his performance level has varied.
With pacey wingers, of which Savinho is another, this team is set up to have a holding striker, and it's likely De Zerbi will stick to that theme, but he also knows he needs something more than what he currently has.
Given the amount of money Spurs are going to have to spend on their squad, it would be wise to consider where they can save a buck or two, and soon-to-be former Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is available for free, at least in terms of a transfer fee. Wages will be a very different matter, given he is currently earning £400,000-a-week.
The Serbian is not a goalscorer, but he certainly can pitch in with goals. What he is is a dominant centre-forward who will win headers, bring the ball down, receive the ball anywhere and bring the midfield and wingers into play. Beyond that, he also has a decent burst of pace for a taller striker, standing at 6ft 3ins.
Speaking when he was still at Fiorentina, Micah Richards said: "I have watched him a couple of times now, he is lightning, it’s ridiculous. His left foot is like a wand. I am telling you now, he is everything, he is everything you need.”
But none of that is the main reason Spurs should be interested.
Vlahovic is a mentality monster
De Zerbi will want to overhaul this dressing room with players with a steel-like mentality, and Vlahovic is that guy.
Obsessed with the next best thing, Juventus quickly fell out of love with Vlahovic when they found out he wasn't a week-in, week-out scorer, something they should have known before spending €80million to sign him.
Despite relentless talk in the Italian media, transfer rumours aplenty and Juventus actively touting him to other clubs last summer, Vlahovic kept his head down and remained a starter. Rather than quitting the club, he saw out the full five years of his contract before collecting his final pay-cheque and walking out through the Allianz Stadium doors.
That drew praise from former Spurs boss Igor Tudor, who labelled him an 'example' for the level of his performance in the wake of all the transfer noise.
We hear all the time of players who crack under such pressure, and we have seen plenty of those players at Tottenham and in the Premier League as a whole. How quickly players can become 'flops' once the media and fans get on top of them for not delivering on a big fee.
Vlahovic shouldered that criticism and got on with his job for three years or more, never losing his place in the meantime. That's the kind of player De Zerbi needs to build this Tottenham dressing room around, and it's why Spurs should be moving quickly to make sure he doesn't end up with London rivals Chelsea.