Football London

Tottenham have already spent £237million this summer but Roberto De Zerbi wants more new signings

Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that Tottenham's £237m transfer splurge is not over as he targets two "important" attackers.

The Italian wants Spurs to compete at the other end of the table this season after two back-to-back 17th place finishes and the club have responded by leading the way in the transfer market.

The north London outfit joined the £100million club by signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle. That smashed their transfer record for the second time in a week after getting Mateus Fernandes from West Ham in an £85million deal.

Spurs also spent £52million on De Zerbi's former Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke with free transfers also sealed for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

De Zerbi told football.london out in Auckland on the club's summer tour that next up is the attack.

"It's not finished yet our transfer window. We have to finish. The target now is to complete the attacking positions. We want the top level, because we have already important players, but I think to start a new project we need another couple of important players for sure," said the 47-year-old.

De Zerbi admitted that big-spending Tottenham, who have been linked with Manchester City's Savinho and Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi, might not even be finished with a couple more additions.

"We have to bring another couple, maybe more, maybe not less, but a couple of players. I'm very happy, I'm excited to work with the new players, with the old players," he said.

"We are working very well with Johan [Lange] and Vinai [Venkatesham]. We are working with a clear idea. We brought players with a great experience like Andy.

"We need to increase experience, improve mentality. We have to be stronger because in the last two seasons we didn't do what Tottenham has to do. At the moment I'm very excited."

One player linked with the Spurs exit door is Lucas Bergvall with the 20-year-old targeted by Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Brighton this summer among others with £60million expected to be his price tag.

The Swede told the club that he wants to move on this summer as his midfield opportunities shrink amid the spending spree in N17.

De Zerbi is yet to speak to Bergvall but has made it clear that he only wants players at Tottenham that are excited about being part of his project.

"Listen, I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said 'Who doesn't want to stay in Tottenham, who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave'" said the Italian.

"I want proud players who are happy to stay here and to go on the pitch at Tottenham Stadium with a big motivation. If you think also in the World Cup, the motivation makes the difference. The motivation is to be happy to stay in one team."

He added: "I have not spoken with Lucas yet, I will in the next days and we will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, for every one of us. Without problems, Lucas is a big, big talent.

"There will be a big competition to play because at the end I think we will be two players for each position. If he wants to stay, I will be happy. Otherwise, we have to find a new solution with Johan, with Vinai. It's not my business after the decision to leave [if that happens]."

De Zerbi had positive news on Mohammed Kudus with the Ghana attacker set to return to training with the group when they return from their tour in New Zealand and Australia.

The 25-year-old has been out of action since January while the club are slowly bringing Dejan Kulusevski back to fitness after more than a year out with a knee injury, with the Swede to be assessed over the next couple of weeks. De Zerbi said that both attackers are 'important players' for the season ahead.

Andy Robertson not scared of Djed Spence challenge and explains why Tottenham will be different  Football London

The Tottenham Hotspur head coach has been speaking for the first time this season ahead of the pre-season friendly against Auckland FC

Roberto De Zerbi had plenty to say at his first press conference of the season as Tottenham arrived in New Zealand for their summer tour.

football.london was in Auckland to ask the questions after a summer in which the Spurs head coach has seen the club splash out £237m for him on new signings with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes joining for a combined £185million, £52million splurged on Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke with three free transfers secured for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka.

Our Spurs reporter Alasdair Gold is in Auckland and was among those putting questions to De Zerbi ahead of Sunday's match against Auckland FC at Eden Park. Here's the full transcript from the press conference in New Zealand.

What are you wanting to get out of this game tomorrow?

It's an important game for us. We are at the beginning of the pre-season. The most important thing is to play a serious game, for sure, and don't take risks for the injuries because it was a very long trip. We are at the beginning of the season. We have a lot of players who suffered too many injuries last season, and we have to be serious on the pitch.

We have to improve everything we need, but we can't forget the season will start in 20-25 days, and we are here to improve our physical condition, our knowledge, our connection between the players. We are happy to be here because it's an amazing country, amazing experience for us, but we can't forget that we are here not on holiday, but we are here to be better when the Premier League starts.

What did you make of the traditional welcome you just got?

It's important for us because we know the culture of New Zealand. It's a great experience. We are looking forward to playing tomorrow and to play against the winner of the New Zealand League in front of a lot of people because I think there will be 40,000 spectators, and we are ready.

What's it like for you to travel this far for a game, and what's the longest you've travelled before to play a match?

It was the longest trip for sure, but listen, football in this part of the history is like this, because a lot of very important clubs, they go in the pre-season in this type of tournament.

We accept to do that, but anyway we can't lose our focus. Our focus is the beginning of the Premier League, to improve the physical condition of the players, the young players. They come inside of our methodology, of our style of play. We have no excuse, but it was a very long trip and we have to manage that in the best way.

You're taking on a club in Auckland FC currently without a manager. How do you approach a game like this?

Sometimes you know in football it's better if you are not a coach. You have to ask the players if he's better or worse. I know they won the last New Zealand league.

For sure they want to show they are good players. It will be a good game because we play with the best team we can put tomorrow. A lot of young players for sure because we have many players who finished the World Cup. We don't take risks, I have to repeat about the injuries, but for us it's a serious game for sure.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

How much is this game almost a trial for some of the younger players?

It's important because football for me is important the name, it's important the career, but it's important what I can watch on the game, during the game. We are all at the same place, the same point, especially for the young players.

I want them to play like a normal game because if we are here it's because we want to play well, we want to play seriously. No excuses, no friendly game, a normal game.

The club has been very decisive in the transfer window, spent big money early, how important has it been to get these players in quickly in pre-season and what else do you want to happen?

First of all I think it's not finished yet our transfer market window. We have to finish, we have to bring another couple, maybe more, maybe not less, but a couple of players. I'm very happy, I'm excited to work with the new players, with the old players.

I think we are working very well with Johan and Vinai. We are working with a clear idea. We brought players with a great experience like Robbo.

I think we need this type of players because we need to increase experience, we have to improve in mentality. We have to be stronger because in the last two seasons we didn't do what Tottenham has to do. At the end of the transfer market we will make the point to close the transfer market session. But at the moment I'm very excited.

You've improved the defence in the window and two big midfielders as well, is it fair to say the attack is where you want more?

Yes, yes, the target now is to complete the attacking positions. We want the first target, the first level, because we have already important players. But I think to start a new project we need another couple of important players for sure.

Lucas Bergvall has been linked with a move away all summer, does the fact that he's on this tour tell us anything about his future?

Listen, I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said 'Who doesn't want to stay in Tottenham, who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave'. I want proud players who are happy to stay here and to go on the pitch at Tottenham Stadium with a big motivation. If you think also in the World Cup, the motivation makes the difference. The motivation is to be happy to stay in one team.

I have not spoken with Lucas yet, I will in the next days. And we will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, for every one of us. Without problems, Lucas is a big, big talent. There will be a big competition to play because at the end I think we will be two players for each position. If he wants to stay, I will be happy. Otherwise, we have to find a new solution with Johan Lange, with Vinai (Venkatesham). It's not my business after the decision to leave (if that happens).

And why were Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr given more time off?

Bentancur is a crucial player for us, and Pape Sarr, the same. I spoke after the World Cup with players and for every one of them we take different ways. Bentancur asked me for one week more because he suffered a very tough season last season, and Pape Sarr has a personal problem, and he asked me for one week more. But nothing, no problem, nothing more than I said.

You've got exciting young players at the club, like Luca Williams-Barnett, is this an opportunity to look at players like him and how excited are you about him and others?I'm used to working with young players. I gave in my career big time and space for young players, but they have to show me they are able to play and they are good players. I never start from the age of the players. From the qualities? Yes. From the attitude and behaviours? Yes. But not for the age.

You've kept Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski at Hotspur Way as they continue their rehabilitation, how close are they both to returning?

And Vicario, because Vicario has an injury. Not a big injury, but he needs to stay one week in London.

How close are Kudus and Kulusevski though?

Kudus is very close, I think. When we come back to London, he will be available to start to work with us. It is a great thing for us. Because Kudus is another important player. And Kulusevski, we have to see in the next couple of weeks. He is another important player. But after one season, one complete season, without games, we have to analyse better and better and don't take risks for sure. First of all, for him, and then for us.

The Tottenham Hotspur head coach and one of his new signings are speaking to the media in New Zealand as their pre-season tour kicks off

Roberto De Zerbi and Andy Robertson are speaking at a press conference in Auckland as Tottenham's summer tour begins in New Zealand.

It is the first time that the Spurs head coach and his new signing, one of six already sealed in the transfer window, will speak to the media ahead of Sunday's match Auckland FC at Eden Park. Tottenham have splashed out £237m this summer on new signings with the most expensive being Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for £92.5million plus £7.5million in potential add-ons.

That deal saw the north London outfit smash their transfer record for the second time in a week after getting Mateus Fernandes from West Ham in an £85million deal, while £52million was also spent on Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke with free transfers tied up for Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka to bolster De Zerbi's squad.

The Italian has brought 35 players to New Zealand, before Spurs head on to Australia for friendlies against Sydney FC and Chelsea, but has left some stars behind at Hotspur Way due to either injury or rest after the World Cup.

Our Spurs reporter Alasdair Gold is in Auckland putting questions to De Zerbi and Robertson. Scroll down for his latest updates from the press conference in New Zealand.

De Zerbi will take a good look at Spurs' young players like Luca Williams-Barnett

I'm used to working with young players. I gave in my career big time and space for young players, but they have to show me they are able to play and they are good players. I never start from the age of the players. From the qualities? Yes. From the attitude and behaviours? Yes. But not for the age.

De Zerbi wants new attackers

Yes, yes, the target now is to complete the attacking positions. We want the first target, the first level, because we have already important players. But I think to start a new project we need another couple of important players for sure.

De Zerbi wants more

First of all I think it's not finished yet our transfer market window. We have to finish, we have to bring another couple, maybe more, maybe not less, but a couple of players. I'm very happy, I'm excited to work with the new players, with the old players. I think we are working very well with Johan and Vinai. We are working with a clear idea. We brought players with a great experience like Robbo. I think we need this type of players because we need to increase experience, we have to improve in mentality. We have to be stronger because in the last two seasons we didn't do what Tottenham has to do. At the end of the transfer market we will make the point to close the transfer market session. But at the moment I'm very excited.

‌

On facing Auckland FC who don't have a manager

Sometimes you know in football it's better if you are not a coach. You have to ask the players if he's better or worse. I know they won the last New Zealand league. For sure they want to show they are good players. It will be a good game because we play with the best team we can put tomorrow. A lot of young players for sure because we have many players who finished the World Cup. We don't take risks, I have to repeat about the injuries, but for us it's a serious game for sure.

De Zerbi up first

It's an important game for us. We are at the beginning of the pre-season. The most important thing is to play a serious game, for sure, and don't take risks for the injuries because it was a very long trip. We are at the beginning of the season. We have a lot of players who suffered too many injuries last season, and we have to be serious on the pitch. We have to improve everything we need, but we can't forget the season will start in 20-25 days, and we are here to improve our physical condition, our knowledge, our connection between the players. We are happy to be here because it's an amazing country, amazing experience for us, but we can't forget that we are here not on holiday, but we are here to be better when the Premier League starts.

There was an earthquake this morning

There was a 'severe' earthquake in New Zealand this morning just 146 miles from Auckland with 23,000 people reporting it not long after Spurs arrived in the country. You can find out more about that by heading right here.

‌

Welcome to New Zealand

We're live from Auckland as Roberto De Zerbi and Andy Robertson prepare to speak to the media for the first time this season.

Follow Football London:

‌

Tottenham's owners the Lewis family have wasted little time in backing Roberto De Zerbi in the transfer market

The Lewis family shake up at Tottenham Hotspur this summer looks to be continuing with Cristian Romero tipped to leave the club this summer.

The Argentinian's representative, Ciro Palermo, was spotted in Milan ahead of a porposed transfer to Serie A side Inter on the back of his World Cup campaign.

Spurs are expected to offload their captain this summer with Inter in pole position to sign the 28-year-old having held talks with his agent.

Barcelona had also been linked with a move for Romero, who has a reported £42.7m asking price.

It would be the first real major money departure since Daniel Levy departed the club, with the Lewis Family vowing to change the club's trajectory after two season's of struggle.

Spurs narrowly avoided relegation last season, a year on from a 17th placed finish, glossed over by some after winning the Europa League title.

While the club may not have been in any real danger of the drop in 2024/25, last season's display was a real concern and had it not been for Roberto De Zerbi's appointment, Spurs could have been playing in the Championship this season.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

At the end of last season, the Lewis family released a statement which read: "To the fans, As owners of 25 years, we have lived the highs and lows of Spurs with you. Finishing 17th this and last season does not reflect the stature or potential of this football club.

"We are bitterly disappointed and share your frustration. You, and we, expect more than this. We know this must never happen again.

"Our approach to running the club is, and has been, to trust the experts to do that, while backing them to be successful. The problems we found were deeper than we realised and were allowed to build over the last few years.

"We know that has eroded trust and we have to win that back. As owners, we take ultimate responsibility for the situation in which the club finds itself.

"We also take responsibility for rebuilding Spurs. Our ambition is to recapture the spirit of the club and bring back the excitement, the fearlessness and the bold football we have always felt defined us.

"That means football comes first. The board and executive team have laid out their plans to meet this ambition.

"This will require investment - in our teams, the academy, our backroom functions and more - and we are fully committed to this. We are not selling the club. We are all in. We are investing in it. You will see more of this in the coming months.

"We care deeply about Spurs. The rebuild the club needs, and you deserve, has begun. The change required is deep. It will take time and commitment, but change is happening. We know that actions will speak louder than words. The Lewis Family."

So far, the Lewis family have stuck to their word and backed De Zerbi in the transfer market with the £100m signing of Sandro Tonali, £85m on Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, and the £52m move for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Add in the experienced signings of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson on free transfers, the club have wasted little time in addressing last season's problem area.

'Severe' earthquake felt just hours after Tottenham Hotspur arrive in New Zealand  Football London

Guglielmo Vicario has been linked with a move back to Italy this summer with his Tottenham Hotspur future in doubt

Guglielmo Vicario has been linked with a summer exit from Tottenham Hotspur and it's understood Juventus are now expected to step up their pursuit of the Italian goalkeeper.

Tottenham announced on Thursday morning that 35 players would be travelling to New Zealand and Australia for the club's pre-season tour. Vicario, however, was not among the travelling party after suffering a "minor injury" in training. Instead, the 29-year-old has stayed at Hotspur Way to recover.

Vicario's absence from the tour has only increased speculation over his future and it's understood that Juventus are ready to make the shotstopper their new No.1 next season. The Italian giants had been trying to sign Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez at the top of their summer wish list, but Villa director of football operations Damian Vidagany revealed earlier this month that Martinez would not be sold.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

If Vicario does leave, it would bring his three-year stay at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to an end. Vicario joined in 2023 from Empoli for a deal in the region of £17million and immediately established himself as number one under Ange Postecoglou, but experienced a decline in form last season and even after he returned to fitness following a minor hernia procedure, Antonin Kinsky retained his starting berth under Roberto De Zerbi.

Vicario ultimately lost his place to Kinsky at the end of a difficult 2025-26 campaign and the Czech was rewarded with a new long-term contract this summer for his performances. The deal essentially confirmed his rise to De Zerbi's first choice goalkepeer and, after the season, Vicario was given the green light to leave the club.

That was cemented by Spurs signing experienced goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to be the understudy to Kinsky. Brandon Austin is expected to be the club's third choice goalkeeper.

Juventus are now Vicario's most likely destination after Inter Milan had initially led the race. It's believed Juventus would prefer a loan with an option to buy Vicario rather than an obligation, which may provide an obstacle between the clubs, but a conditional obligation is one potential solution.

Andy Robertson details Roberto De Zerbi phone call as 'special' Tottenham promise made  Football London

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs to unveil their new home and away kits ahead of the new season

With the World Cup done and dusted for another four years, football fans are counting down to the 2026/27 Premier League season. There’s less than a month until title holders Arsenal get things underway when they host newly-promoted Coventry City on August 21.

With the clock ticking until the first whistle, London clubs have been unveiling the new home and away kits they’ll wear this season. Ahead of the opening weekend, we’ve hand-picked seven of our favourite shirts from Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and more.

These include a range of uniquely contemporary and retro-inspired strips from brands like adidas and Nike. Some clubs have seemingly been inspired by Italian football legends with striking gold leaf-like looks while others have stuck to a simple, yet classic looks.

Arsenal vs Man City Community Shield tickets on sale to all fans as ballot opens

Premier League 2026/27 start date, opening fixtures, how to watch on TV and get tickets

As Arsenal, West Ham, Chelsea, Brentford, Tottenham Hotspur, and Crystal Palace fans gear up for kickoff, here are seven new football shirts we love this season.

Arsenal Away

As we saw across the World Cup, retro is in this year, and Arsenal have just launched a 2026/27 away shirt that pays homage to the ‘Bruised Banana’ shirt of 1991/93. It features an all-over pattern that’s a reverse of that famous retro strip, now in navy blue rather than bright yellow.

In tribute to the early-90s edition, the 2026/27 jersey is accented by red and yellow details on the cuffs and collar, with the latter featuring a slightly off-centre overlap that really stands out. There are also the classic adidas three-stripes running down each shoulder, while on the front is a yellow, embroidered Cannon crest and adidas trefoil logo and Emirates branding.

Chelsea Away

Chelsea have opted for stylish black and gold for their 2026/27 away kit, inspired by the club’s ‘Italian Renaissance’ when legends like Gianfranco Zola and Gianluca Vialli came to Stamford Bridge in the 1990s. As well as a clean black body, the away jersey features several gold details that really make it stand out.

Most striking is the Ancient Roman-style gold laurel wreath design bordering the collar and around the cuffs, as well as a gold Lion crest and Nike swoosh on the chest. There’s also a rib of gold running across each shoulder, while a lack of sponsor branding results in a clean black front.

However, as we saw with many of the Nike shirts on display at the World Cup, the rib on the shoulder can bulge awkwardly at the seam.

West Ham United Home

They may have a new home down in the Championship, but we’re fans of West Ham’s 2026/27 home shirt. It’s the first designed under their deal with New Balance and the standout feature is a rough chevron pattern sitting boldly across the chest.

The abstract design is woven into the claret fabric, alongside a combination of sharp lines and checks. There’s also a return of the sky blue sleeves along with a claret and blue checkered pattern on the collar and cuffs.

Arsenal Home

The Premier League champions are celebrating 20 years at the Emirates Stadium with their 2026/27 home shirt, said to be ‘a bold celebration’ of the club’s legacy. In tribute to their North London home, the red and white jersey features a bespoke artwork echoing the ground’s dynamic shapes on both the collar and cuffs.

On the shoulders are adidas three-stripes in contrasting shades of red on a white background, while the body returns to a clean, pattern-less red. Fans can also pick up the home shirt with gold ‘Champions 26’ printing, but they’ll have to fork over £113 for the privilege.

Crystal Palace Home

Trust us, this is definitely Crystal Palace’s new 2026/27 home shirt. The Eagles have done away with their red and blue stripes for this predominantly white strip that’s a tribute to the iconic sash first seen on their run to the 1976 FA Cup semi-finals.

This version reimagines the vintage design with a Palace red and blue pattern running diagonally across the chest and down each shoulder. There’s one new addition too, as Temporal is the club’s front-of-shirt sponsor for the first time.

All this comes at a cost, though, with Macron charging £89.99 compared to £75 at the club store.

Tottenham Hotspur Away

Tottenham Hotspur have gone with a unique, contemporary design for their 2026/27 away shirt that features an iridescent pattern that pops off the shirt. It blends orange, purple and pink from top to bottom across its navy blue background.

This makes the crisp white cockerel crest really stand out, as does the Nike swoosh and AIA branding. Similar to Chelsea’s new away strip, this Spurs jersey may have the same issue with Nike’s shoulder rib design.

Brentford Home

Brentford had both the fans and the planet in mind with their 2026/28 home kit launch, which they’ll don across the next two seasons as they ‘continue their commitment to affordability and sustainability’. As well as the classic red and white stripes, the Bees have introduced ‘honey yellow’ details on the collar, cuffs, side panels and bordering the crest and sponsor logo.

On the back of the neck, fans will find a small beehive graphic as a nod to the old quadrant crest used from 1993-2017. However, one small detail we’re not keen on is the extra Joma logos found on each shoulder.

Tottenham can save millions on next transfer as wonderkid passes Roberto De Zerbi audition  Football London