Tottenham have been busy rebuilding their defense and Roberto De Zerbi will now do battle with Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
Tottenham have completed their third signing of the summer after Jan Paul van Hecke joined Brighton.
“I have been at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player,” said the Dutch international after signing a long-term contract.
“Now I'm looking forward to walking out in front of our fans wearing a Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment.”
De Zerbi spoke of the Dutchman's leadership during his time at Brighton and praised his maturity after Spurs signed a £52m deal this week.
The manager's priority has been defense with left-back Andy Robertson and full-back Marcos Senesi joining on free transfers following a season in which the Lilywhites conceded more goals than any team to stay in the Premier League.
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There are also question marks over the future of many current defenders, with Djed Spence linked to Juventus, Cristian Romero being eyed by several top clubs and now Barcelona and Liverpool are weighing up Micky Van de Ven.
Fabrizio Romano shared an update on the futures of two defenders this week, making it clear which one is likely to leave North London this summer.
Romano shared an update on the Tottenham defensive duo
Indeed, speaking in his latest YouTube video, Romano confirmed that Romero could leave following interest from Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.
Van de Ven has however been appointed by De Zerbi himself to lead the defense in the coming years, and has been given the 'untouchable' tag as has Pedro Porro, who recently signed a new contract.
“Micky Van de Ven leaving Tottenham, linked to Liverpool, linked to Barcelona, what is the situation? What is the story?
“Remember guys, I got the same questions two weeks ago about Pedro Porro, my answer was Pedro Porro, my answer was the most important player for Tottenham, and Tottenham renewed the contract.
“Now we are back to this with Van de Ven. What I can tell you is that Van de Ven is considered by the management and coach of Tottenham De Zerbi as a very important player.
“Tottenham have confidence in Van de Ven and believe that he will be a big part of the present and the future.”
The journalist said that 'several clubs are interested' in Romero and the Argentine does not have the same 'for sale' tag as his Dutch counterpart.
Romero played just 22 times in the top flight last season due to injury and suspension, while Van de Ven managed to make 35 appearances, scoring four times in each game.
The deciding factor in Tottenham's decision could be that the 25-year-old former Wolfsburg man is three years younger than Romero, meaning they could get his first years under De Zerbi and still have the money for a continued return.
Tottenham's priority in the transfer window is thought to be in midfield, where they have also been linked with a move for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali.
Tottenham are ready to pay £100m for the player who has been in direct contact with De Zerbi
The North Londoners are showing plenty of ambition this summer.
