Published May 28, 2026, 12:45 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.

Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. 

Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.

In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

Club chief executive Vinai Venkatesham recently admitted that Tottenham require a “complete reset” after years of football decline behind the scenes.

Recruitment plans are already accelerating.

Spurs are about to bring in experienced defenders such as Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi as De Zerbi looks to improve a back line that struggled badly throughout the campaign.

Robertson, who will leave Liverpool this summer, is viewed as a possible leadership addition, while Senesi’s Premier League experience has also made him an attractive option.

There are also growing rumours around further attacking additions as De Zerbi tries to reshape Tottenham into a side more suited to his aggressive possession-based system.

The Italian coach is believed to want quicker wide players capable of pressing intensely and attacking defenders one-on-one — something Spurs often lacked during their difficult season and injury nightmare.

One name now strongly back in the frame is Man City winger Savinho.

Savinho prepared to join Tottenham with De Zerbi a major factor

According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, the Brazilian is prepared to join Tottenham and is very attracted by the opportunity to work under De Zerbi.

The report claims the winger likes the idea of playing in the Italian’s attacking setup and would be keen to leave City for Spurs in search of a bigger role.

Tottenham came close to signing Savinho last summer before City decided against letting him leave permanently.

At the time, the deal was expected to cost around £60 million, and despite his circumstances changing slightly since then, that valuation has remained broadly similar.

Part of the reason is Savinho’s contract situation.

The Brazil international signed a new long-term deal with City in 2025, strengthening the club’s position in negotiations and making any move expensive despite his inconsistent game time this season.

Savinho’s campaign at City has been mixed.

The winger has shown flashes of the direct pace and creativity that made him such a standout player at Girona, but he struggled to become a guaranteed starter under Pep Guardiola.

Competition for places across City’s forward line has limited his opportunities, and there is increasing belief that he may need a move to continue his development regularly at the highest level.

That is where Tottenham believe they could offer something attractive.

De Zerbi’s reputation for improving attacking players remains strong after his work at Brighton and Marseille, and Spurs may feel his tactical system could suit Savinho’s strengths.

The Brazilian thrives in open spaces, prefers receiving the ball early in transitions and is most dangerous when isolated against full-backs — all characteristics that align with De Zerbi’s attacking style.

The biggest issue for Tottenham may simply be cost.

Even after their survival, Spurs are not operating from a position of financial comfort following a hugely disappointing season.

Reports have already suggested several current players could leave to help fund incoming deals, and spending £60million on another winger would still represent a major commitment.

Still, the fact Savinho is now reportedly open to the move gives Tottenham encouragement.