Tottenham Hotspur have identified Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini as a top summer target as Roberto De Zerbi seeks a ball-playing defender to shore up a defence clouded by uncertainty around Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
Tottenham target Giorgio Scalvini as defensive priority
Tottenham Hotspur are actively tracking Atalanta’s 22-year-old centre-back Giorgio Scalvini ahead of the summer window. A technically gifted, ball-playing defender under contract until 2028, Scalvini represents the profile Roberto De Zerbi values for his possession-led system. Spurs view centre-back recruitment as urgent after a season of defensive inconsistency.
Scalvini’s profile: the modern centre-back
Scalvini combines progressive passing, confident carrying from the back and positional intelligence that suits a high line. Comfortable in both three- and four-man defences, he has shown defensive maturity beyond his years in Serie A, while contributing goals this season. Those attributes align neatly with De Zerbi’s requirement for a centre-back who can initiate and accelerate build-up play under pressure.
What this means for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven
Interest in Scalvini comes amid genuine uncertainty over Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Romero has endured a stop-start season marked by disciplinary lapses and mixed defensive form, prompting questions about his role long-term. Van de Ven’s future also remains fluid as Tottenham weigh options. A new arrival would signal Spurs are preparing for turnover rather than simply patching gaps.
Luka Vuskovic, squad planning and depth
Tottenham maintain optimism about the return of Luka Vuskovic from his loan as part of their centre-back succession planning, but recruitment is still viewed as necessary. Adding Scalvini — a player already tested at top-flight level — would bring immediate quality and tactical flexibility while young loanees continue their development.
Transfer landscape and competition
Scalvini’s standing as a top young defender ensures Premier League interest is likely to be competitive. Atalanta have a track record of producing well-rounded defenders, which typically drives market demand and valuation. Tottenham’s recruitment will need to balance fee, squad need and De Zerbi’s tactical fit when deciding whether to push for a move.
Why this matters for Spurs’ season outlook
Bringing in a player like Scalvini would be a clear statement of intent: building a defence tailored to ball progression rather than solely physicality. For De Zerbi, the priority is coherence between how Spurs attack and how they defend from the first pass. Securing a centre-back who can both prevent chances and start them could be decisive in restoring Spurs’ defensive stability next season.
What to watch next
Monitor Spurs’ summer activity on central defence, Romero’s future at the club, and Atalanta’s stance on departing talent.
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If Tottenham pursue Scalvini, expect focused recruitment discussions rather than broad sweeps — De Zerbi needs specific profiles to execute his system effectively.
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