Tottenham's Summer Signings: Savio and Marmoush Excite De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi could barely hide his excitement. Tottenham, already the biggest spenders of the summer, have just landed what he called two “bomba” signings – Savio and Omar Marmoush – and he is not ruling out one more late twist before the window slams shut on Tuesday night.

Spurs have raided Manchester City for a double deal, finally getting long-term target Savio in a package worth £85million and bringing in Marmoush on a season-long loan that includes an obligation to buy. That clause could push Marmoush’s fee up towards £60m, nudging Tottenham’s total outlay past the £350m mark in a single summer.

De Zerbi knows that is a staggering figure.

“I didn't expect one transfer market and one window like we have done,” he admitted ahead of Newcastle’s visit to north London in the Premier League on Saturday.

Yet he still sees room for one more piece.

“I think we can do one player more and in one specific position,” he said, revealing that talks with the hierarchy are active and aligned. “Yesterday we went for dinner with the owners, with Vinai (Venkatesham), with Johan (Lange) and with Enrico (Venturelli). We spoke about this, but we have all of us on the same page and there is a very good connection.”

‘Bomba’ arrivals to ignite Spurs attack

The Italian’s enthusiasm for his new forwards is unmistakable.

“I think Savio and Marmoush are bomba. I don't know what name or how you can call them but players of a high level, for sure,” he said.

Marmoush becomes Tottenham’s eighth signing of the window and arrives at a time when De Zerbi badly needs fresh attacking solutions. He can operate across the front line and as a different type of No10, a valuable option with James Maddison still short of full fitness and Mohammed Kudus only just back from a long tendon lay-off.

Marmoush’s numbers are not modest either. He hit 37 goals during a prolific 18-month spell at Eintracht Frankfurt and added 16 more at Manchester City. Even so, he may have to wait for his first start, with a place on the bench likely on Saturday.

“A great signing for us. A great player, another great player and every one of us loves him as a player,” De Zerbi said. “We hope he can do what he is able. I think he can give more solutions in attack. We need players in attack capable to score goals, to play well with the ball also, a very fast player, great qualities and we are all happy.

“I think he can play as a central striker. He is a different number 10 than (Conor) Gallagher or Maddison, more of an attacker, but he is a player of big qualities. The most important thing is to have players with qualities.”

Savio, meanwhile, is being lined up for his full debut after completing his move from City. The Brazilian’s arrival, coupled with Marmoush, gives De Zerbi a very different front line to the one he inherited.

Selection choices and one unsettled future

Tottenham’s new captain Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro both came through Wednesday’s 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Charlton and are in contention to start again. Kudus, absent since January, could finally return to a Premier League squad, adding yet another attacking weapon to De Zerbi’s arsenal.

Not everyone’s future is as clear.

Pape Sarr remains available for selection, but with the clock ticking on the window, his situation is unresolved.

“Pape? No, he's good. We have to see in the last day of the transfer market what can happen with him,” De Zerbi said.

Then came the blunt line that summed up his stance on unsettled players.

“If you want to leave and you have not found the offer, it's your problem, not my problem. I give respect, I kiss you, I hug you, but at the end have to stay calm inside the dressing room.”

Tottenham have spent big, reshaped their attack and backed their head coach. The deadline is closing in. One more signing, one big sale, or simply this squad as it stands – what happens in the next few days will define how bold this new Spurs era really is.