De Zerbi's Spurs Revolution: Brazilian Bargain Hunt and Wanyama's Rally Cry Amid Relegation Scrap

Picture this: Tottenham Hotspur teetering on the edge of the Premier League trapdoor, but now they've roped in Roberto De Zerbi to play the hero. The Italian gaffer, fresh from his Brighton stint, was initially dragging his heels about jumping in mid-season. Yet Spurs twisted his arm, slapped a juicy five-year deal on the table, and here we are – seven massive games to dodge the Championship bullet, kicking off against Sunderland on April 12.

De Zerbi's got that swagger, hasn't he? The board's betting big that he'll weave his magic and keep the Lilywhites in the top flight. And if he does, the chequebook's coming out faster than a Son Heung-min counter-attack.

Transfer Targets: Leonardo Leads the Line

Whispers from Brazil – courtesy of RTI Esporte, as spotted by James Holland at TEAMtalk – have Spurs leaping ahead of Flamengo and Sao Paulo in the race for Al-Hilal sharpshooter Marcos Leonardo. The lad's a proper predator, banging in 106 goals across 264 senior games, including 15 this term from 29 outings in Saudi.

Al-Hilal splashed €40m on him from Benfica last September, but they're open to cashing in to fund more galactico gambles. His £55m tag? Pocket change for Daniel Levy these days, especially with Brazilian sides baulking at the price. Leonardo's eyeing a European return, and north London suddenly looks mighty appealing.

He's not flying solo on Spurs' wishlist either. De Zerbi's got his eye on ex-Marseille mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – yeah, the ex-Gunner, which'll have Gooners spitting feathers. At 36, it's no long-term fix, mind. Then there's Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, where Spurs are apparently frontrunners per TEAMtalk. Fancy reunions with Brighton old boys Bart Verbruggen and Pervis Estupinan could sweeten the pot too.

Up top, Dominic Solanke's been sidelined by ankle surgery, Randal Kolo Muani's heading back to PSG, and Richarlison needs backup. De Zerbi's shopping for a No.9 to turbocharge the attack – Leonardo fits like a glove.

Wanyama Waves the Flag from Retirement

Meanwhile, cult hero Victor Wanyama – remember his midfield mayhem under Pochettino? – has hung up his boots and fired off a pep talk. Chatting to The Times, the Kenyan urged everyone to get fully behind De Zerbi: "He's a fantastic young coach who improves everywhere he goes. Rally round him, and he'll deliver."

Spurs sit one point above the drop zone, battered by injuries and a form funk. Wanyama's reassuring the doubters: "Remind them how good they are. They've won the Europa League – don't muck it up now." He channelled Poch vibes too, hailing the Argentine's man-management as fatherly yet fierce.

De Zerbi's all-in, vowing to stick around next season win or lose. With Wanyama's unity call and transfer buzz building, Spurs fans might just raise a glass instead of reaching for the pitchforks. Seven games to survival, then a summer spree – stranger things have happened at the Lane.

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