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Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has dropped a strong hint about his preferred signing for the upcoming summer window, should he manage to keep the club in the Premier League this season.

De Zerbi, recently appointed as Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach following Igor Tudor’s departure, has already begun mapping out his plans for next season by pinpointing a key target to strengthen his squad.

The immediate task for the Italian tactician is to ensure Spurs avoid relegation. If he succeeds, he reportedly already knows the first player he intends to bring in.

With just seven fixtures remaining in the campaign, Tottenham sit precariously one point above the relegation zone. De Zerbi faces a massive challenge to motivate and stabilise his players in the weeks ahead to preserve their Premier League status.

The current Tottenham squad has struggled for consistency, and regardless of whether the Lilywhites stay up or not, a major rebuild is expected this summer.

According to a report from Calcio Mercato, De Zerbi has informed the Tottenham board that his top transfer priority is Italian midfielder Manuel Locatelli. The manager is said to view the Juventus star as a key signing capable of elevating the overall quality of the team.

During internal discussions about his vision for Spurs, De Zerbi reportedly identified Locatelli as a player who could bring technical control and leadership to the midfield unit.

Locatelli’s current contract with Juventus runs until 2028, and sources close to the club suggest the Turin side might be open to selling him this summer to avoid potential future contract complications.

The 28-year-old, who captains Juventus, has been a consistent presence in their lineup, missing only three matches throughout the season. His reliability and experience make him a highly sought-after target.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported that Juventus previously turned down a €25 million (£21.7 million) bid from Al Ahli last summer, raising questions about what valuation they might now place on the midfielder.

Over the past few seasons, Tottenham have reshaped their midfield options, bringing in players such as Conor Gallaher, Xavi Simons, and Joao Palhinha. Nonetheless, analysts at FourFourTwo argue that the balance remains off, and further reinforcements are urgently required if the club stays in the Premier League.

Among the current squad, Archie Gray — Tottenham’s eighth-most expensive signing in their history — has been one of the few to consistently demonstrate the quality and work ethic expected at this level.

According to Transfermarkt, Locatelli is valued at around €25 million. Tottenham’s next crucial Premier League clash is against Sunderland on April 12, a game that could prove vital in their fight for survival.