Tottenham and Aston Villa are involved in a busy race to sign Leo Cienza, who is open to a move from Southampton this summer.
De Zerbi aims for first Tottenham contract
This summer will be an important one for Roberto de Zerbi. First, Tottenham must ensure they maintain their Premier League status in the final seven games of the season.
More than that, next season will be all about welcoming some much-needed improvements for the Italians as they desperately try to pull the Lilywhites back into European contention.
De Zerbi asks Tottenham to sign ‘little superstar’ Arsenal want in 2023, he is keen to join
The Italian has personally been shortlisted as a summer target.
He has already made his intentions clear on that front, telling reporters: “In all our discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambitions for the future have been clear: to build a team capable of achieving great things and to deliver a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters.
“I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to do everything in my power to realize it.”
The big question now is whether Tottenham’s leaders will do what they say with their money. Recent reports suggest that the likes of Arthur Vermaelen and James Trafford have already been identified as early transfer targets, with them ready to help the manager.
Of course, a big part of Totteham’s potential improvement is also the addition of an attacking star, which makes the race to sign Cienza even more important.
Tottenham and Aston Villa in battle for Sienza
As reported by ESPN’s Felipe Silva, Tottenham and Aston Villa are currently competing to sign Cienza from Southampton just a week after they defeated Arsenal in the FA Cup, and club officials have been checking in on the Brazilian regularly this season.
The attacking midfielder has grabbed headlines for his performances in recent months, with as many as five Premier League clubs now chasing his signature.
As well as Spurs and Villa, Leeds United, Fulham and Everton are all in big demand heading into the summer transfer window, with their sights set on playmakers looking to step up.
The move makes perfect sense for both Tottenham and Villa Park. For the Lilywhites, Cienza will reignite their attacking spark, having contributed to 17 goals in all competitions so far this season. His take-on success and accuracy in the final third are two traits they’ve been missing all season.
Cienza could replace Rodgers at Aston Villa
As for Aston Villa, they could be considering replacing Morgan Rodgers. The England international is attracting a lot of attention going into the summer and the Midlands players may be forced to shell out money in pursuit of their signature.
If so, Scienza should be your top choice. The Southampton man is open to a move to the top flight after an excellent season and manager Unai Emery could make him just that offer in the coming months.
As things stand, however, the ball remains largely in South America’s court, despite interest from across the Premier League.
