The 30-year-old joined Tottenham on loan from Bayern Munich last summer and has been a key player as the North London club fight against relegation.
Palhinha has made 42 appearances across all competitions for Spurs this season, popping up with six goals and three assists.
Speaking to reporters ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Leeds on Monday (May 11), De Zerbi, 46, urged the club to sign Palhinha permanently.
“100 per cent (I want to keep him next season)” De Zerbi said.
“We have to start with (those) types of people. More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure, but as a guy.
“I want to see the player with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit, the same personality, and we are lucky to have with us Palhinha.”