De Zerbi's Summer Rebuild: Could Aubameyang Become Spurs' Surprise Weapon?

Roberto De Zerbi has barely settled into his new Tottenham hot seat, yet speculation is already swirling around which players might arrive at the Lilywhites come summer. The Italian took charge on a five-year deal on Tuesday, with Spurs fast-tracking his appointment following Igor Tudor's departure by mutual consent.

With Tottenham languishing just a point clear of the drop zone and facing a fraught final seven matches to secure their Premier League status, the rebuild will be urgent. But European football expert Andy Brassell has already begun sketching out what a De Zerbi-shaped Spurs could look like next season – and his blueprint includes some eyebrow-raising names.

Goalkeeper and Defence

Geronimo Rulli tops Brassell's wishlist between the sticks. The Argentina international, who previously worked with De Zerbi at Marseille, would represent a significant upgrade on Guglielmo Vicario, according to the pundit. At 33, Rulli still has plenty to offer – particularly his distribution with the ball at his feet.

"He's a terrific goalkeeper who's brilliant with his feet," Brassell explained on talkSPORT. "He'll command his box better and he's way better with his feet, as well as in my view being a better shot stopper than Vicario."

The back line would largely remain intact, with Micky Van de Ven, Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro holding their places. Luka Vuskovic, the on-loan youngster, would slot in to replace the departing Cristian Romero.

Midfield Shake-Up

Lucas Bergvall keeps his spot in De Zerbi's proposed 4-2-3-1 setup, partnering AC Milan's Adrien Rabiot in the holding roles. Brassell believes the Frenchman should already be plying his trade in the Premier League given his development over recent seasons.

"You look at the size of him, the physicality of him," Brassell said. "He's developed into such a brilliant player over the last three or four years. He always had the talent, but now I think he knows who and what he is, and despite various little ups and downs, he's been great for Milan this season."

The Controversial Call

Then comes the real head-turner: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a left winger. Yes, that Aubameyang – the former Arsenal captain who departed these shores.

Brassell acknowledges the elephant in the room but makes a compelling case for the 36-year-old, who turns 37 in summer. "It would be for a good time rather than a long time," he reasoned. "He has been so good since he's left the Premier League."

The pundit insists Aubameyang has actually improved since his Gunners days, transforming into a more complete footballer. "He was a player who would touch the ball like 10-15 times a game and just really defined himself by his pace and his goals. Now he's still got really good pace, not quite what it was when he was 29 obviously, but he's still quick enough."

What strikes Brassell most is Aubameyang's intelligence and work ethic at Marseille. "He's so unbelievably intelligent, he stretches the game by taking the ball down the flanks, he defends really tigerishly. He keeps himself incredibly fit. He scores and creates."

Those assist numbers have been particularly impressive of late, leading Brassell to suggest Aubameyang would represent a superior version of what Randal Kolo Muani was supposed to deliver.

"Even though there's the Arsenal connection and maybe for that reason Aubameyang wouldn't be open to it," Brassell conceded. "But if we're talking money and affiliation no object I think he'd be a really terrific signing for them."

The Forward Line

Dejan Kulusevski would continue on the right flank, with Xavi Simons operating as an attacking midfielder behind Richarlison in the centre-forward role.

It's a bold vision for De Zerbi's first summer at the helm – one that would certainly get tongues wagging in north London.