Tottenham Transfer Update: De Zerbi Eyes One More Signing

Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear: Tottenham’s transfer business is not finished yet.

With the deadline looming on Tuesday at 11pm, the Spurs head coach wants one more signing – and the club’s interest in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is growing as the clock ticks down.

“I didn't expect a transfer window like we have done,” De Zerbi told reporters on Friday, reflecting on a hectic first summer in charge. “I think we can do one player more in one specific position.”

That “one more” could well be Gakpo. Spurs are understood to be keen on the Dutch international and are expected to ramp up their efforts in the final days of the window as they look to add another attacking option to De Zerbi’s evolving squad.

The Italian described a united front behind the scenes after a key summit this week.

“Yesterday we went to dinner with the owners, Johan [Lange, sporting director] and Vinai [Venkatesham, chief executive] and we spoke about this,” he said. “All of us are on the same page and a very good connection.”

Spurs have already overseen significant movement this summer, but the outgoing door may be just as busy as the incoming one before the window shuts. Several players remain open to leaving, and the club are prepared for late offers.

De Zerbi has not shied away from difficult conversations.

“I've been very clear with all the players: if you speak clearly you can't expect surprises,” he said. “The players who wanted to leave have left. We maybe have some players who want to leave and they are waiting, we are waiting for an offer.

“You have to feel proud to stay here. It's an emotional project we are building with new players.”

One of those whose future is under scrutiny is Pape Matar Sarr. The midfielder has drawn interest during the window and has yet to feature in either of Spurs’ first two league games this season.

De Zerbi stressed that any absence has not been down to fitness.

“Pape is good [fitness-wise],” he confirmed. “We have to see in the last days of the transfer market what can happen with him.”

So the picture is clear. Tottenham want one more key addition, are braced for late exits, and De Zerbi is demanding that whoever remains buys fully into what he calls an “emotional project”. The next few days will show who is truly part of it.