Tottenham are reportedly weighing up a surprise swoop for a rising Brazilian defender as Roberto De Zerbi continues reshaping his squad ahead of the September 1 deadline.
Spurs have already been busy this summer, bringing in attacking reinforcements in Savio and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City — both expected to feature prominently under De Zerbi after struggling for game time at the Etihad. Despite the outlay, De Zerbi is said to want at least one more significant addition before the window shuts, with the need for further depth made clear by a disappointing opening-day loss to Brentford that exposed questions over squad depth and attacking output.
According to Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte, Tottenham are keeping tabs on Cruzeiro defender Jonathan Jesus. The 22-year-old has also drawn interest from Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, leaving his future at the Brazilian club uncertain. Cruzeiro have already knocked back an £8m-ish (€8m) bid from Zenit Saint Petersburg and are said to want well over €20m before entertaining a sale. Jonathan is reportedly open to a European move, which could push things along if the right offer lands.
Since joining from Ceara in 2024, the centre-back has made 68 appearances for Cruzeiro, scoring twice and adding an assist, and has featured 32 times this season as the club sit near the top of the Brazilian Serie A table.
Much of Tottenham’s interest is tied to Kevin Danso’s uncertain situation. Spurs are said to have turned down a loan approach from Sunderland for the Austrian, but his squad standing has taken a hit with the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi. With competition for places intensifying, Danso — keen on regular football — could push for an exit before deadline day, and if he leaves, Tottenham would likely need fresh defensive cover.
That’s where Jonathan Jesus could come in. He wouldn’t be expected to walk straight into the XI given his lack of Premier League experience, but Spurs may view him as more of a long-term prospect than an instant fix — his age and pedigree in Brazilian football making him an appealing development option.
Chelsea and Forest’s interest means Tottenham won’t have a clear run at him, and it remains to be seen whether their reported interest turns into an actual bid. But with Danso’s future in flux and De Zerbi still eyeing another defensive addition, Jonathan Jesus could yet become one of the more unexpected names on Spurs’ radar before the window closes.
