Tottenham are bracing themselves for a potentially defining summer transfer window, with the club’s division next season likely to shape much of what follows.
With just two matches left to play, Spurs sit precariously above the relegation places, and their Premier League survival is far from guaranteed. Should they hold on, new head coach Roberto De Zerbi is anticipated to be handed considerable funds to overhaul a squad that has underperformed significantly over the past two seasons.
A number of established players are expected to depart, with defenders Cristian Romero and Guglielmo Vicario among those most strongly linked with moves away. On the incoming side, Tottenham have been connected with several targets, and are said to be close to agreeing free transfers for Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi — though both deals are thought to hinge on the club retaining their top-flight status. Other names in the frame include midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, forwards Rafael Leao and Maghnes Akliouche, and a number of goalkeepers such as James Trafford, Lucas Chevalier and Bart Verbruggen.
One emerging target is 22-year-old Argentine centre-back Lautaro Rivero, who is being considered as a possible long-term replacement for Romero. The River Plate defender has caught the eye this season across 19 appearances, contributing to nine clean sheets and chipping in with a goal, earning attention from several major European clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United.
However, there are notable reasons why Spurs may think twice before pursuing Rivero. Chief among them is the development of young centre-back Luka Vuskovic, who has been turning heads during a loan spell with Hamburg in the Bundesliga. The club are reportedly keen to bring him into the first-team fold next season, viewing him as ready to step up.
Cost is another significant obstacle. Rivero’s release clause is reported to be in the region of €100 million, a sum Tottenham may struggle to justify for a player who has yet to test himself at elite European level — particularly when funds are needed across multiple positions this summer.
