Spurs Close to Fernandes as Tonali Chase Hots Up — De Zerbi’s Midfield Makeover
Tottenham are striding through this window like a club with a point to prove. Three through the door already — a Champions League and Premier League winner in Andy Robertson, plus Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke — and they’re not done yet. Roberto De Zerbi wants seven in all, with a fresh midfield and added bite up top, and there’s chatter around the goalkeeper spot too with Guglielmo Vicario tipped to move on. Make no mistake, Spurs don’t plan on flirting with the drop again.
Fernandes deal edges forward
Italian reporter Matteo Moretto says Spurs are now very close to an agreement on personal terms with 21-year-old Portugal international Mateus Fernandes. That’s a proper statement of intent, especially with Manchester United trying to tempt him to Old Trafford to link up with Bruno Fernandes. United can dangle Champions League nights; Spurs can offer London life and a starring role in De Zerbi’s project. Word is the player’s ready to choose Tottenham if they can strike a fee with West Ham, who’ve dropped into the Championship and face losing key assets.
Tonali remains the big swing
De Zerbi’s marquee target is Sandro Tonali. Spurs have already seen a £75m offer knocked back by Newcastle, but the 26-year-old is understood to be keen on reuniting with an Italian coach who’ll give him the keys to the engine room. Tonali’s a powerhouse — legs for days, tidy on the ball, and not shy of stepping into the final third when the game opens up. If Spurs go again with an improved bid, this could be the move that changes the whole temperature of their midfield.
Why this pairing makes sense
This is where it gets tasty. Tonali sets the platform: aggressive duels, tempo control, and that nasty streak every top midfield needs. Alongside him, Mateus Fernandes offers flexibility — he’s shown at West Ham and Southampton he can play as a 6, 8, or 10. That gives De Zerbi license to push and pull his shape without losing control. On paper, Tonali will absolutely love playing next to a lad who can tackle, carry, and pass in tight spots. It’s the sort of pairing that turns 50–50s into 60–40s in your favour.
De Zerbi’s blueprint taking shape
With Robertson’s know-how, Senesi’s bite, and van Hecke’s composure already banked, adding Fernandes and pushing for Tonali would turbocharge Spurs’ spine. Expect quicker progression through the thirds, more bodies arriving on the edge of the box, and a press that actually sticks. Yes, there’s work to do — a fee with West Ham for Fernandes, Newcastle’s stance on Tonali, and the usual dance over wages and add-ons — but Tottenham are moving with purpose and a clarity we’ve not seen for a while.
For those weighing up the odds on where this all lands, have a look at our best betting sites — and keep an eye on Spurs’ numbers if that double swoop looks imminent.
The bottom line
If Spurs land both, they’re right in the conversation for one of the Premier League’s most balanced midfields before a ball’s even kicked. Even if it’s just Fernandes through the door first, the profile fit is spot on for De Zerbi’s high-wire football. Nail the fees, get them through the medicals, and suddenly Tottenham’s summer stops being a good start and starts looking like a proper statement.
