The summer rebuild of Tottenham Hotspur is underway and after completing several signings, the North London club have been linked with plenty more.

Back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League have seen the Spurs hierarchy loosen the purse strings and a new-look Tottenham could be unveiled next season.

Here’s what their dream XI may look like under De Zerbi, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation:

GK: Antonin Kinsky

With Trafford at Leeds, Tottenham look set to stick with their current keeper Kinsky who has recovered well from his howler in Madrid.

Guglielmo Vicario, meanwhile, looks like he is out the door which leaves new signing Martin Dubravka as back-up.

RB: Pedro Porro

Porro’s signing of a new long-term deal was a smart bit of business by the club earlier this summer and makes him a certainty at right back.

The Spaniard is only 26 and so could be Spurs’ first choice for years to come.

CB: Jan Paul van Hecke

Tottenham have spent big on the Brighton man with him becoming the sixth-most expensive signing in their history.

It is a transfer that makes plenty of sense though with Spurs’ defence particularly leaky last season and Premier League-proven centre-backs are few and far between.

The Dutchman is only 26 and much better on the ball than his predecessors.

CB: Marcos Senesi

Another piece of shrewd business done by Spurs was the signing of free agent Senesi from Bournemouth.

He may be 29, but the Spurs hierarchy recognised a lack of experience as one of the key causes behind their downfall last season.

LB: Micky Van de Ven

With two strong centre-back signings, Spurs may shift Van de Ven over to the full-back spot where he plays for his national team.

He has got all the attributes needed to be a success there and his pace could prove key to how De Zerbi wants his team to play.

CM: Sandro Tonali

Call it a damning assessment of Newcastle’s future or call it the power of the Big Six, Spurs won’t care.

It’s cliché to say someone is a statement signing but Tonali really does feel like that.

He is one of the more complete midfielders in the Premier League, able to contribute at both ends of the pitch and can be that midfield metronome Spurs can build around.

CM: Mateus Fernandes

Spurs beat the likes of Manchester United to sign Fernandes from relegated West Ham.

Like Tonali, Fernandes is a player who is excellent at transitioning the ball and can bring a much-needed energy to Spurs’ midfield.

If paired with Tonali, he would play the deeper of the two, freeing the Italian up to move forward and at 21, he is one of the most highly rated youngsters in Europe.

The £85million fee is the highest Spurs have ever paid. Considering PSG and Real Madrid were also interested, Fernandes will surely be a sure thing.

RW: Savinho

Spurs’ summer of signings started busily but has gone quiet in recent weeks. It could though ramp up once again as we approach the start of the season.

Having shored up the defence and midfield, Spurs are now focusing on their attack and have been strongly linked with a handful of players.

De Zerbi himself has promised a “bomba” signing for the front line and Spurs remain linked with Manchester City’s Savinho.

The London club were close to getting this move done last summer but Pep Guardiola and City changed their minds. 12 months on though and there seems to be few hurdles in the way of getting the deal done.

CAM: James Maddison

The pre-season injury to Maddison was one of the biggest causes of Spurs’ downfall and so having him back will feel like the cliché ‘new signing.’

Pre-injury, Maddison was a very creative number 10 and one able to score goals as well as make them but there is always the question of how a player returns after such a long time spent on the sidelines, especially as he approaches 30.

Still, there could be plenty of life left in him and he can be the main attacking focus for Spurs next season.

LW: Cody Gakpo

A surprise transfer rumour this summer has been the likely sale of Gakpo to Tottenham.

Liverpool have signed Victor Munoz in that area and so Gakpo is reportedly pushing for a move to London.

A Dutch source suggests the deal is close with the 27-year-old coming in as first choice on Tottenham’s left wing.

ST: Folarin Balogun

Tottenham spent big money on Dominic Solanke just two years ago but injury problems mean it is hard to have too much faith in him leading the line all season and so they have been in the market for a new signing.

Most closely linked is Folarin Balogun who, aside from being at the centre of a FIFA corruption scandal at this summer’s World Cup, scored 19 goals in 43 games for Monaco last season.

L’Equipe say talks have begun with Monaco over a £51.2m move.

TRY A QUIZ: Can you name Tottenham’s 25 most expensive signings in history?

The post Roberto De Zerbi’s dream Tottenham XI for 26-27: Rebuild with SEVEN new signings… appeared first on Planet Football.

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