--- title: "De Zerbi eyes Leao in Spurs’ €400m gamble to erase relegation scars" description: "Tottenham’s manager is pushing for a blockbuster move for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao as part of a near-€400m splurge to erase last season’s near-relegation nightmare." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/de-zerbi-puts-leao-on-tottenham-s-shortlist-after-informal-t-36a4fb5f published: 2026-07-02T13:48:55.381+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T13:48:55.381+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # De Zerbi eyes Leao in Spurs’ €400m gamble to erase relegation scars > Tottenham’s manager is pushing for a blockbuster move for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao as part of a near-€400m splurge to erase last season’s near-relegation nightmare. Tottenham Hotspur are in informal talks to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao as part of a seismic €400m squad overhaul under manager Roberto De Zerbi. Leao tops a three-man shortlist that includes fellow Milan attacker Mateus Fernandes, according to reports. The pursuit comes as Spurs prepare to break their transfer record for midfielder Sandro Tonali, who joined from Newcastle United for a reported fee in excess of £55m. Spurs’ spending spree is designed to erase the memory of last season’s near-relegation collapse. De Zerbi’s project now hinges on elite recruitment to restore competitiveness in the Premier League and Europe. The club has also been linked with moves for defender Jean-Paul van Hecke and midfielder Marcos Senesi, while Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson has been identified as a potential left-back target. De Zerbi’s blueprint demands high-profile signings capable of delivering Champions League football. Leao’s profile fits the bill: the 25-year-old has scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists in Serie A this season, making him one of Europe’s most sought-after wingers. His direct dribbling and final-third presence address Spurs’ long-standing need for a creative outlet on the left flank, a position that has lacked consistent production since Son Heung-min’s shift to the right. Tottenham’s hierarchy has backed the manager’s vision, sanctioning a spending spree that could see the club spend more than £350m in a single window. The move for Tonali underscores the scale of ambition, with the Italy international set to anchor a midfield reshuffle. The Tonali deal also signals Spurs’ willingness to break domestic transfer records, a rarity in a league where financial prudence often trumps star power. AC Milan are unlikely to part with Leao without a world-record offer for the Portugal international, whose contract expires in 2026. Spurs’ willingness to meet such demands signals their commitment to De Zerbi’s long-term project. The potential arrival of Leao would not only elevate Spurs’ attacking output but also send a signal to the Premier League that Tottenham are ready to compete with the continent’s heavyweights. The pursuit of Leao reflects a broader shift in Premier League dynamics, where clubs once content with mid-table finishes now chase Champions League spots through aggressive recruitment. For Spurs, the gamble is clear: spend big now to avoid another relegation scare next season and secure a financial windfall from European competition. De Zerbi’s project is no longer about survival—it’s about dominance. The Leao pursuit is the latest move in a summer that has already redefined Tottenham’s ambitions under new ownership, with the club positioning itself as a destination for top-tier talent rather than a stepping stone. This aggressive approach, however, carries significant risks. The club’s financial stability and competitive edge in the transfer market could be tested, and the pressure on De Zerbi to deliver results quickly is immense. If successful, Tottenham could emerge as a dominant force in European football, but the road to glory is paved with high stakes and uncertain outcomes. ## Why this matters Tottenham’s €400m spending spree under De Zerbi marks a high-risk, high-reward strategy to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite. Pursuing Leao—one of the continent’s most explosive wingers—sends a clear message that the club is prepared to spend big to erase last season’s relegation scare and return to the Champions League. The move reflects a willingness to gamble on proven talent rather than rebuild slowly, betting that elite signings can deliver immediate dividends. For Spurs, the gamble is existential: another season of mid-table mediocrity risks losing their top talent and fan trust, while Champions League football offers financial security and prestige. The Leao pursuit isn’t just about a winger—it’s about staking a claim to be England’s next superclub. ## Frequently asked ### Why is Tottenham targeting Rafael Leao? Leao is a proven Premier League target, with 17 goals and 11 assists in Serie A this season. De Zerbi views him as a marquee signing capable of elevating Spurs’ attack and securing Champions League football. ### How much is Tottenham planning to spend this summer? Reports indicate Spurs are targeting a total spend of nearly €400m, including a club-record deal for Sandro Tonali. The club has also been linked with multiple high-profile targets across defense and midfield. ### Who else is on Tottenham’s shortlist? Mateus Fernandes, a Milan teammate of Leao, is also on the shortlist. The club has been linked with defenders Jean-Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, as well as Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson. ### Is Sandro Tonali part of De Zerbi’s rebuild? Yes. Tonali’s £55m+ move from Newcastle signals De Zerbi’s intent to overhaul Spurs’ midfield with elite talent. The Italy international is expected to anchor the team’s transition. ### Will AC Milan sell Rafael Leao this summer? Milan are unlikely to part with Leao without a world-record offer. The Portugal international’s contract runs until 2026, and the club will demand a fee that reflects his status as one of Europe’s top wingers. ### How does Leao fit into Spurs’ tactical setup? Leao’s direct dribbling and final-third presence address Spurs’ need for a creative outlet on the left flank. His ability to stretch play and combine with Son Heung-min could unlock a more fluid, unpredictable attack, a shift from the rigid structures of recent seasons. ### What’s the risk if Spurs fail to land Leao? Missing out on Leao would leave Spurs’ left flank thin again, forcing De Zerbi to rely on unproven options or overpay for a lesser replacement. It would also signal hesitation in the boardroom, potentially spooking other targets and undermining the club’s stated ambition to compete at the top. ## Sources & Citations - [De Zerbi puts Leao on Tottenham’s shortlist after informal talks with Milan](https://football-italia.net/de-zerbi-puts-leao-on-tottenhams-shortlist/) — Football Italia (2026-07-02) --- Cite: De Zerbi eyes Leao in Spurs’ €400m gamble to erase relegation scars. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/de-zerbi-puts-leao-on-tottenham-s-shortlist-after-informal-t-36a4fb5f