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Roberto De Zerbi has been clear about his top transfer priority for the upcoming summer window — provided that Tottenham Hotspur secure their Premier League survival.

The Italian manager has already begun planning Spurs’ summer business, working on the assumption that the club will remain in the top flight.

Tottenham climbed out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa on Sunday, but they are still only one point ahead of West Ham United with three fixtures remaining.

Should Spurs pick up enough points from their remaining matches against Leeds United, Chelsea, and Everton, they will aim to leave behind two disappointing league campaigns. De Zerbi already knows the player he wants as the foundation for a new era at the club.

Joao Palhinha’s recent displays in the Tottenham midfield have been among the few bright spots in a season marked by inconsistency and underwhelming performances across the squad.

The Portuguese midfielder joined Tottenham on loan from Bayern Munich last summer after struggling to establish himself at the German club following his transfer from Fulham.

Reports indicate that Tottenham hold an option to make Palhinha’s move permanent at the end of the season for a fee of £27 million.

De Zerbi left no doubt when asked whether he wanted the club to exercise that clause, stating, “One hundred per cent. We have to start with this kind of people.”

He elaborated further, saying, “More than just players, we need dependable individuals — reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best, not only as a footballer but as a person. I want to see players with his passion, attitude, spirit, and personality. We are fortunate to have him here.”

Palhinha had fallen out of favour for a period under former manager Thomas Frank and was used as a substitute in De Zerbi’s first three matches in charge.

However, his late winning goal as a substitute against Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 28 earned Spurs their first Premier League victory in four months. He then went on to complete the full 90 minutes in the triumph at Villa Park.

At this stage, Tottenham simply need to match or better West Ham United’s results in the remaining games to ensure safety after enduring a tense relegation battle.

West Ham will end their campaign with matches against Arsenal at home, Newcastle United away, and finally Leeds United at the London Stadium.