Tottenham are looking at a major rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi this summer regardless of the league they end up competing in.
Spurs have had an abysmal 2025-26 season and are likely to have a major squad overhaul during the transfer window. Some players could leave to look for better opportunities, while the club might part ways with some players on their own.
Regardless, Tottenham will now look to build a squad suited to De Zerbi’s playing style. With no Europe next season, he will also get more time with them in training. The Italian has, hence, urged Spurs to sign one of his former players.
Tottenham enter race for Arthur Vermeeren
Tottenham have signed many young players in recent years, especially in midfield, like Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr, and Archie Gray. As per Sports Boom, they are looking to add Arthur Vermeeren to that list.
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De Zerbi has urged the north London side to sign the 21-year-old, who is on loan at Marseille from RB Leipzig. He made 17 appearances under the Italian coach and contributed two assists.
Many have likened Vermeeren’s playing style to legendary Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta. The young Belgian also spoke about these comparisons in a press conference last year, saying (h/t Ligue 1):
“My strengths are my vision for the game — my understanding and reading of the match. I’m very calm and confident on the ball, and I can also win back possession. If I had to name an inspiration, it would be Iniesta. I think I have a similar style, and watching him play was magnificent.”
De Zerbi, meanwhile, heaped praise on Vermeeren in another press conference but urged him to add more physicality. Tottenham will have to pay around £25 million for his signature this summer.
Vermeeren could be a good signing for Tottenham
In an interview in October last year, De Zerbi revealed that he and Marseille had been trying to sign Vermeeren for two years. He spoke about his weaknesses but added that he is “progressing quickly” and labeled him a “complete player”.
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It appears that the Belgian already has a big admirer in De Zerbi, which could make him a good signing at Tottenham. The Italian already knows Vermeeren’s strengths and weaknesses and could help him develop further, especially with no midweek games. Notably, Spurs were also linked with the midfielder in January 2024.
However, it would only work if Spurs part ways with Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Conor Gallagher, and Joao Palhinha.
They have plenty of midfielders, but none of them are known for their passing ability. While Vermeeren can potentially play that role, Tottenham need more experience in the middle of the park.
