Tottenham Hotspur parted ways with Igor Tudor last week and have confirmed Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment as their manager on a five-year contract. The former Marseille is already planning for signings during the summer transfer window.
Calcio Mercato has reported that De Zerbi has asked Tottenham to acquire Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli in the summer transfer window. The former Sassuolo star is valued at £22 million on Transfermarkt.
With the likes of Yves Bissouma and Pape Mata Sarr playing very inconsistently whilst also offering very little when playing in possession, a deeper-lying midfielder could be Spurs’ top priority as they plan a major squad revamp this year.
Locatelli an ideal addition for De Zerbi’s setup
Manuel Locatelli is a fine deep-lying midfielder, who can also be utilised as a number six. His tactical intelligence, ability to dictate tempo and make forward passes mean he would be the right fit in Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical system.
The 28-year-old contributes to good measure without the ball with a strong defensive work-rate and high stamina, so he would be perfect for Tottenham Hotspur’s midfield, which has lacked a well-rounded profile for a few seasons now.
Juventus consider Locatelli a key player but the Italian international would be offered significantly better wages at Spurs, which would give the Londoners confidence that they can lure away the Bianconeri’s captain this summer.
However, any major transfer for Tottenham hinges on whether or not they can remain in the Premier League next season and whilst plans for the summer are underway, the immediate focus is ensuring that the club avoids relegation.
