Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has indicated he wants at least one more addition to his squad before the summer transfer window slams shut on Tuesday night, while also acknowledging that further departures from the club could be on the cards.
The Italian coach revealed he sat down for dinner on Thursday with Spurs' hierarchy, including chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, sporting director Johan Lange and his own assistant Enrico Venturelli, to plot the club's final moves in a window that has already surpassed his initial hopes.
"I didn't expect a market like we have done," De Zerbi told reporters. "I think we can do one player more and in one specific position. Yesterday we went for dinner with the owner, with Vinai, with Johan and with Enrico. We spoke about this."
He added that any incoming move could be tied to an exit from the current squad. "It can be possible out or in," he said. "The transfer market is crazy and we have to be able to find the new players. If some players go out, leave, or to make another player come in… I don't know. We are very happy with the market we have done until now. It has been more than my expectation at the beginning."
Among those who could leave north London before the deadline is midfielder Pape Sarr, whose future De Zerbi addressed directly. "We have to see in the last day of the market what can happen with him," the manager said, before delivering a pointed message to any player hoping to force a move. "I've been very clear with every player. If you speak clearly at the beginning you can't expect a surprise. The players who want to leave, they left. Maybe we have some players who want to leave and they are waiting for the offer. We are waiting for the offer. To stay here, they have to feel proud and happy."
De Zerbi was firm about the standards he expects from those who remain unsold. "If you want to leave and you have not found the offer, it's your problem, not my problem," he said. "I give respect, I kiss you, I hug you, but at the end they have to stay calm inside the dressing room. And not to speak too much because the rules have been clear."
On the pitch, Tottenham have already strengthened significantly this summer, and the club's newest arrival, Omar Marmoush, signed from Manchester City on Thursday, is in contention to feature against Newcastle United on Saturday. "Marmoush is available to play, maybe also at the beginning of the game,” De Zerbi confirmed. Spurs have also been linked with a possible swoop for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo before the deadline passes.
The Tottenham boss also provided fitness updates ahead of the Newcastle clash, revealing that Mohammed Kudus, sidelined since January with a thigh problem, could be included among the substitutes. Micky van de Ven, meanwhile, was described as "right to play" from the start, while De Zerbi is still weighing up whether Pedro Porro and Sávio will begin the match or be used from the bench.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, all eyes will be on whether Tottenham can complete one final piece of business, either an arrival to bolster De Zerbi's options or a departure to balance the squad, before the window closes for good on Tuesday night.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.