Tottenham's £185m Midfield Overhaul: Tonali and Fernandes Targets
Tottenham Hotspur have already torn into this summer’s window with intent. Four major signings are through the door, Roberto De Zerbi has fresh tools to work with, and the squad is starting to take his shape.
But the real statement might be coming in midfield.
Tonali pursuit refuses to die
Sandro Tonali sits at the heart of it. Newcastle United have already knocked back an £80m offer from Spurs, a figure reported by Sky Sports on June 20, and have made it clear they want at least £100m for the Italy international.
Most clubs would blink at that. Tottenham haven’t.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano insists the north London club are still driving the chase. On his YouTube channel, he doubled down on his previous reports, stressing that Tottenham are “working on the deal to sign Sandro Tonali” and that his stance “remains the case.”
No hedging. No widening of the field. Romano explicitly ruled out other suitors in his latest update, saying he is not talking about Manchester City or any other club in this race – just Tottenham and Tonali.
For a player of Tonali’s pedigree, that is a bold, narrow lane to occupy. Spurs, though, look determined to stay in it.
De Zerbi’s rebuild gathers pace
The push for Tonali comes on the back of a busy start to the window. Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka are already set to join De Zerbi’s squad for next season.
Those deals address key areas. Robertson brings proven Premier League quality at left-back. Senesi and Van Hecke deepen the defensive core. Dubravka adds experience in goal.
Now the spotlight moves to the middle of the pitch, where De Zerbi wants a different level of control, aggression and personality. Tonali fits that brief. But he is not the only name on the list.
Spurs go all-in: Tonali and Fernandes, not Tonali or Fernandes
Alongside Tonali, Tottenham are pushing hard for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
West Ham’s stance is clear: Romano has long reported that they want £85m for the Portugal international. That figure has not shifted. It means Spurs are staring at a combined outlay of around £185m if they manage to land both Tonali and Fernandes.
Crucially, Romano says Tottenham are not treating this as a straight choice. They want both.
“Tottenham want Tonali and Mateus Fernandes – it’s not one or the other,” he explained, outlining a double move that would completely reshape the core of De Zerbi’s side.
That level of ambition would have been hard to imagine at Spurs not so long ago. Now it is very much on the table.
A bidding war brews with Manchester United
Tottenham do not have a clear run at Fernandes. Manchester United are in the frame as well.
United have already secured Ederson from Atalanta to strengthen their midfield, yet they remain active in the chase for Fernandes. Romano describes the West Ham star as “one of the most intriguing cases” on the market in recent months, and with good reason.
The situation is brutally simple: West Ham will sell to the highest bidder. “The player will go to who’s offering one euro more,” Romano said, underlining that the Hammers are ready to accept the best proposal. After that, the decision rests with Fernandes himself.
Behind the scenes, both Tottenham and Manchester United are talking to the player. Both are working on their pitches. Both believe he can be a centrepiece of their next project.
Tottenham, Romano says, are “pushing to close.” Manchester United “are still there” and not backing away. It has all the makings of a classic Premier League tug-of-war.
A defining moment in Spurs’ new era
Strip it back and the picture is stark.
Tottenham have already moved decisively in the market. They now stand on the brink of an extraordinary midfield overhaul, one that could cost close to £185m if Tonali and Fernandes both walk into Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Newcastle want at least £100m. West Ham want £85m. Spurs are still at the table.
If they get one of them, De Zerbi’s project takes a significant step forward. If they get both, Tottenham’s midfield – and perhaps their ceiling for the coming seasons – changes completely.
The money is on the line. The negotiations are live. And with Manchester United locked in the race for Fernandes, the question is no longer whether Tottenham are serious.
It’s whether they’re prepared to go all the way.
