De Zerbi pushes for one more signing for Tottenham before deadline

Roberto De Zerbi is still pushing for Tottenham to squeeze in one more deal before the transfer deadline, even after a busy summer of recruitment. As The Guardian reports, the head coach is focused on adding “one specific position”, while admitting that exits could also be possible before Tuesday night’s deadline if the right offers land.

Dinner with the club chiefs

De Zerbi held a dinner on Thursday with Spurs’ owners and key executives, including Vinai Venkatesham, Johan Lange and Enrico Venturelli, to discuss a final push in a market he says has already exceeded expectations. “I didn’t expect a market like we have done,” De Zerbi said. “I think we can do one player more and in one specific position.” He also explained that deals can be “out or in”, as they try to keep finding solutions during a “crazy” transfer window.

Squad trimming and match call

He’s open to trimming his squad and highlighted Pape Sarr as one potential departure to watch. “We have to see in the last day of the market what can happen with him,” De Zerbi said, also stressing that players who want to leave have generally already made their intentions clear.

On the injury and selection side, Mohammed Kudus—out since January with a thigh problem—could return to the bench for the Newcastle game, while De Zerbi indicated that Micky van de Ven was “right to play” (i.e., start). The manager will decide whether Pedro Porro and Sávio begin or come on as substitutes. He also said Odobert is injured for a long time after ACL surgery and won’t be available before February or March.

Finally, De Zerbi reiterated that he wants Dejan Kulusevski in Tottenham’s Premier League submission list after the window shuts, and the article adds Spurs have been linked with Cody Gakpo.