Tottenham Hotspur target Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in record deals
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to break their transfer record twice to sign midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in a massive summer rebuild.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi has prioritised the centre of the pitch after a difficult campaign where his side struggled to dictate matches.
The Italian tactician took charge during a turbulent period last season, successfully steering the London club to Premier League safety.
With top-flight status secured, the head coach now intends to implement his signature possession-based style.
Press resistance and defensive tenacity
Fernandes has emerged as a primary target due to his exceptional ability to retain the ball under heavy pressure.
Despite suffering back-to-back relegations with Southampton and West Ham, the 21-year-old’s individual performances have consistently drawn praise.
The combative youngster dominated defensively for the Hammers last term, winning 67 tackles to easily outpace his nearest competitors.
Should the highly-rated prospect arrive in north London, he would likely compete for minutes alongside Rodrigo Bentancur at the base of the midfield.
Dynamic drive and top-flight pedigree
Tonali is viewed as the perfect partner to operate alongside either Fernandes or Bentancur in De Zerbi’s favoured 4-2-3-1 system.
The Newcastle United star boasts a sweeping passing range from deep areas, combined with a relentless work rate.
His phenomenal box-to-box ability was perfectly illustrated during a dominant victory over Southampton in January 2025.
The Italy international started and finished a sweeping length-of-the-pitch move, demonstrating the exact physical profile Tottenham desperately lacked last year.
Securing both signatures will require an unprecedented financial outlay, but Spurs appear fully committed to backing their ambitious manager.
