Tottenham Hotspur are now eyeing a move to sign a midfielder wanted by some of the top clubs in Europe, according to Foot Mercato.
Tottenham have already completed two summer signings in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, and they are currently working on two more in Jan Paul van Hecke and Savinho.
The addition of Van Hecke would complete a new-look defence for De Zerbi after it struggled again during the 2025-26 season, with the north Londoners narrowly avoiding relegation to the Championship.
The Italian manager's centre-back options would be Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, Luka Vuskovic, Senesi and Van Hecke if the Dutchman does join, surely meaning at least one of the aforementioned names would be on their way.
Romero appears to be the most likely after rumours in recent months, although Brighton and Hove Albion have lodged a bid for Vuskovic, who is keen on the move, leaving Spurs chiefs with a big decision to make.
Tottenham want reinforcements for their attack too, with Randal Kolo Muani returning to Paris Saint-Germain following an unsuccessful loan spell, while they are looking to strengthen in midfield too.
Tottenham Eyeing Move to Sign Ayyoub Bouaddi
According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool are showing serious interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoun Bouaddi, and have added them to their summer shortlist.
In fact, Reds chiefs specifically travelled to New York to watch the 18-year-old in action for Morocco against Brazil in their opening World Cup group game on Saturday night.
However, there is more interest in the talented teenager from other clubs across Europe, including Tottenham, according to the French outlet.
Just like in defence, Spurs have decent strength in depth in the central midfield position, but they have lost Yves Bissouma this summer following the expiry of his contract.
Tottenham are also working on a deal to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich, with the player giving priority to a full-time move to Spurs because of his good relationship with De Zerbi, according to Fabrizio Romano, despite interest in his homeland from Sporting Lisbon.
Bouaddi Would be a Sensational Tottenham Signing
Tottenham already have some brilliant young talent in the central midfield position in Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, but adding a talent like Bouaddi would be a real statement signing.
The 18-year-old dominated Brazil and Casemiro in particular during the 1-1 draw on Saturday, impressing after showcasing his many different traits.
The teenager was described as being a 'superstar in the making' by Joe Thomlinson, who credited the midfielder with his physicality, composure, reading of the game and his athleticism.
Meanwhile, Eduardo Hagn has tipped Bouaddi to potentially become the 'best number 6 in the world' in the future, having watched him in action.
Impressively, Hagn says that the Lille star plays in a similar way to Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, knowing when to go forward and when to stay in position, and when to engage in a press.
Bouaddi would be a sensational signing for Tottenham, but they will be one of just a number of clubs looking at the future superstar.