Tottenham's Transfer Window: De Zerbi Demands One More Signing

Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear: Tottenham’s transfer window is not finished yet.

With the deadline looming on Tuesday at 11pm, Spurs’ head coach wants one more signing and is pushing for the club to act, with Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo firmly on their radar.

“I didn't expect a transfer window like we have done,” De Zerbi admitted on Friday, reflecting on a hectic summer. “I think we can do one player more in one specific position.”

That “one more” could well be Gakpo. Spurs are understood to be keen on the Dutch international and are expected to ramp up their efforts in the final days of the window as they look to add another attacking option to De Zerbi’s squad.

The Italian spent Thursday night at dinner with the club’s hierarchy — owners, sporting director Johan Lange and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham — to align plans for the final stretch of the market.

“Yesterday we went to dinner with the owners, Johan and Vinai and we spoke about this,” he said. “All of us are on the same page and a very good connection.”

The message is that Tottenham will be busy. Not just with arrivals, but with exits as well.

De Zerbi has laid down a clear line for his squad.

“I've been very clear with all the players: if you speak clearly you can't expect surprises,” he explained. “The players who wanted to leave have left. We maybe have some players who want to leave and they are waiting, we are waiting for an offer.

“You have to feel proud to stay here. It's an emotional project we are building with new players.”

One of those waiting is Pape Matar Sarr. The midfielder has drawn interest during the window and has not featured in either of Spurs’ first two games of the season, fuelling speculation over his future.

De Zerbi insisted the situation is not about fitness.

“Pape is good [fitness-wise],” he said. “We have to see in the last days of the transfer market what can happen with him.”

The clock is ticking. Tottenham have their targets, they have players in limbo, and they have a head coach demanding one final piece to complete his “emotional project.” Now it’s up to the club to deliver before the window slams shut.