Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as the frontrunner to become Tottenham Hotspur’s next manager following a series of intensified negotiations on Monday. The North London club has identified the Italian tactician as their primary target to succeed Igor Tudor and avert a catastrophic descent into the Championship.

According to The Guardian, De Zerbi is currently the sole candidate under consideration, with discussions already progressing to the configuration of his prospective backroom staff.

The vacancy follows the departure of interim manager Igor Tudor on Sunday. Tudor was relieved of his duties after failing to reverse the club’s downward trajectory. Spurs are reportedly eager to secure De Zerbi on a long-term contract within the coming days, hopeful that he can preserve their Premier League status and lead a comprehensive rebuild next season.

Pochettino and the USMNT

A successful appointment and survival under De Zerbi would likely close the door on a return for Mauricio Pochettino. The former Spurs manager, a fan favourite, had been heavily linked with a sentimental return this summer. Pochettino is currently serving as the head coach of the United States men’s national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. His existing contract with U.S. Soccer is set to expire following the conclusion of the tournament.

De Zerbi's Availability

De Zerbi has been out of work since Feb. 11, when he departed Marseille following a successful yet characteristically volatile tenure. At the time of his exit, he expressed a firm desire to remain away from the touchline until the end of the current season to recharge.

Tottenham had previously considered De Zerbi immediately after sacking Thomas Frank—also on Feb. 11—but the timing was deemed unworkable. However, the club’s persistence and their refusal to consider another short-term "firefighter" have reportedly swayed the Italian's stance.

The Task at Hand

The situation De Zerbi would inherit is perilous. Tottenham currently sits just one point and one place above the relegation zone with only seven matches remaining. Their next fixture is a critical away match at Sunderland on April 12.

The club is currently enduring a dismal 13-match winless streak in the league, their most anaemic run of form since the 1934-35 season. While De Zerbi had initially preferred a summer start, his willingness to entertain a mid-season move underscores the seriousness of the negotiations and his potential commitment to the project.