Tottenham Hotspur could round off a dream summer on the transfer front with several exciting names linked with the club
Tottenham Hotspur have pulled off major moves in the transfer market this summer so far. Leaving their rivals in the dust, Roberto De Zerbi looks like he's been given the tools to challenge on several fronts this season.
It's been a dire few years for Spurs, with the club fending off relegation over the last two years. The arrival of De Zerbi appears to have breathed new life into the Lilywhites, and for proof, you needn't look further than the squad the Italian is currently constructing.
After Spurs had beaten the drop last season, their news boss said: "From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team," and it looks like he's delivering on that message.
FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
A dream summer for the club on the transfer front has already begun. In defence, Spurs have signed Jan Paul Van Hecke from Brighton for £52m. They have also recruited veteran Liverpool star Andy Robertson and Bournemouth's Argentinian 29-year-old centre-back Marcos Senesi giving them a robust and experienced backline.
In midfield, West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes has also joined De Zerbi's expensive revolution, while Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali also looks set to be on his way.
What else is required to make this a summer to remember? Well, in goal, Antonin Kinsky deserves a shot to make the No. 1 position his own after several assured performances last season. He has recently signed a new deal, as Guglielmo Vicario could be set for a move away.
However, Spurs could move for Manchester City's James Trafford, 23, who has found himself playing second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad. He would be a more than suitable rival for Kinsky, while Martin Dubravka, 37, who signed from Burnley this summer, will also offer valuable experience from the bench.
It's up front where Spurs could make a major impact, with the club said to have a three-man shortlist to upgrade on Richarlison and Dominic Solanke. According to The Independent, Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi appears to be the leading candidate to slot into De Zerbi's attack, but could cost them around £80m.
The 20-year-old is believed to be wanted by Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, however. Spurs could truly consolidate an ambitious few months by securing Kroupi over their north London rivals.
Footballing operations under Spurs' new leadership have illustrated that they will not be priced out of major deals this summer. The club's persistence in striking a deal with Newcastle for the in-demand Tonali shows that they have what it takes to rival Arsenal for Kroupi.
AC Milan's Rafael Leao has also reportedly been sounded out. According to reports from Italy, Milan have placed a valuation in the region of £55m on the 27-year-old winger.
Informal discussions with Milan are said to have taken place, although no steps have yet been taken to enter formal negotiations for the Portuguese international.
Finally, Manchester City winger Savinho, who Spurs pushed for last year, could join. The Brazilian, who scored one goal in 24 appearances in the Premier League last season, would reportedly cost in the region of £60m.
Securing all of Kroupi, Leao and Savinho seems unlikely, but not beyond the realms given Spurs' actions so far this summer. Even signing two of trio would represent huge strides for Spurs as a deadly threat and round off a sensational window that will live long in the memory.
Simply put, If Spurs were to add Trafford and two of Kroupi, Leao and Savinho to add to their already impressive squad they could be looking at splashing around £350m this transfer window. The drive to finally turn the club's fortunes around is on.