Roberto De Zerbi confirms Tottenham transfer plans as Savinho and Cody Gakpo remain targets

Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed Tottenham Hotspur are still planning further additions before the summer transfer window closes, despite already completing one of the Premier League's busiest recruitment drives.

The Spurs head coach revealed there is "still some work to do" in the market as the club looks to complete its squad ahead of the new campaign. His comments come after Tottenham signed six players this summer, including club-record arrival Sandro Tonali, while attention now turns towards strengthening the attacking department.

According to De Zerbi, Tottenham's recruitment has not only focused on quality but also on assembling a squad capable of driving the club's long-term rebuild.

Speaking to Sky Italia in comments relayed by Gianluca Di Marzio, De Zerbi admitted Tottenham's transfer business is not yet complete.

Although Spurs have already added Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dúbravka on free transfers alongside big-money arrivals Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke, the Italian believes further reinforcements are required before the Premier League season begins.

"I think we're working well. Now we'll carry on: we've still got 10 days before the league starts. We're trying to integrate the new signings as effectively as possible and finalise the squad, because we've still got some work to do in the transfer market."

The Tottenham manager also explained that personality has been just as important as technical ability throughout the club's recruitment process.

"We've tried to sign players who are the right fit in terms of character too. Good people, with a positive attitude, who are ambitious and hungry, players and people of a certain calibre. These days, in football, as well as the quality of the game and everything else, I believe it also relies heavily on team spirit, character and the players' discipline."

Having reinforced several areas of the squad, Tottenham's priority has now shifted towards improving the forward line.

Savinho and Cody Gakpo have both emerged as leading targets before the transfer deadline. Earlier this week, Sport Witness exclusively reported that the Manchester City winger has already held discussions with De Zerbi over a potential switch to north London.

Those developments suggest Tottenham's business is entering its final phase, with attacking additions viewed as the remaining priority before the window closes.

Tottenham made their biggest statement of the summer by completing a reported €116 million deal for Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.

The Italy international has already credited De Zerbi for persuading him to join Spurs, and the manager has now explained why he believes the midfielder can become one of the club's leaders.

"Tonali can carve out a leadership role here. I convinced him myself; I told him the truth: I always say what I think, and I believe he has always been a leader in top teams."

De Zerbi also recalled watching Tonali emerge at Brescia, insisting leadership has been one of the midfielder's defining qualities throughout his career.

"He was already a leader when I used to watch Brescia, the team I support: even at 18, he played like a veteran."

Tonali's arrival is expected to become a cornerstone of Tottenham's rebuild, with De Zerbi clearly viewing the midfielder as someone capable of influencing the dressing room as well as performances on the pitch.

After taking charge in March, De Zerbi guided Tottenham away from relegation danger as the club eventually finished 17th in the Premier League.

While survival was the immediate objective last season, the Italian believes this campaign represents the first genuine opportunity to begin building a competitive side capable of challenging higher up the table.

"I believe this is the first real year, a phase of rebuilding: last year was a struggle just to survive; this year we can start afresh to build something lasting in Europe's toughest league."

He also reflected on the cultural differences between English and Italian football, highlighting the contrast in preparation and external pressure.

"In England, football is experienced differently; there are fewer training camps, which are important opportunities to spend time together. However, it's also true that in Italy there's more pressure, and we often create it for ourselves."

The comments provide further insight into the environment De Zerbi is attempting to build at Tottenham, where culture and leadership appear just as important as tactical quality. However, it remains too early to judge whether the club's significant investment this summer will translate into immediate progress on the pitch.

Tottenham are expected to focus on attacking reinforcements during the final days of the transfer window, with Savinho and Cody Gakpo continuing to feature prominently among their reported targets. De Zerbi's comments indicate the club's recruitment is not yet complete, while the integration of six new signings will remain a priority before the Premier League season gets underway. Any further arrivals are likely to determine how complete Tottenham's squad looks heading into De Zerbi's first full campaign in charge.

Do you think Tottenham need another attacking signing before the transfer window closes, or is De Zerbi's current squad already strong enough to compete?