Tottenham Hotspur remain one of the busiest clubs in this summer’s transfer market, with Roberto De Zerbi pushing ahead with a sweeping squad overhaul ahead of the new Premier League season.
Spurs have already made significant strides since the window opened. Andy Robertson arrived from Liverpool, Marcos Senesi joined from Bournemouth to bolster the defence, and Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke was secured for £52 million — reuniting with De Zerbi after their time together at Brighton. Experienced goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has also come on board to add depth and leadership between the posts.
With the defensive foundations now in place, De Zerbi has turned his attention to midfield — the area he views as most in need of transformation.
Sandro Tonali remains the headline target. The Spurs boss sees his fellow Italian as the ideal figure to anchor his possession-based system, and discussions with the Newcastle midfielder’s representatives have already taken place. However, the Magpies are holding firm on a valuation of at least £100 million, making any deal a complex financial undertaking.
Running alongside the Tonali pursuit is a strong push for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes. Despite heavy interest from Manchester United and other European heavyweights including Real Madrid and PSG, Tottenham have moved to the front of the queue. TEAMtalk reports that Spurs have now submitted an opening bid worth £65 million upfront, with a further £20 million in potential add-ons — a structure designed to meet West Ham’s valuation while giving Tottenham greater financial flexibility.
Fernandes only arrived at West Ham from Southampton last summer but wasted no time making an impact, quickly becoming one of their most influential players. His quality had already been turning heads during his time at St Mary’s, with former Saints midfielder Jo Tessem singling him out as Southampton’s standout performer on BBC Radio Solent in 2025 — comparing his development to that of Romeo Lavia and describing him as one of the Premier League’s most complete midfield prospects.
With Fernandes reportedly keen on joining De Zerbi’s project, and Tottenham believed to be offering the most attractive package on the table, the signs are increasingly positive that a deal can be struck — one that would represent yet another major statement of intent in what is shaping up to be a historic summer for the club.
