If there were any doubts about Tottenham Hotspur’s standing as a major force in English football, their recent transfer activity should put them to rest.
After consecutive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League, Spurs have responded in emphatic fashion—proving they can still attract elite talent.
The Lilywhites have been the busiest club in the top flight so far, securing three deals: Jan Paul van Hecke for £52m, along with free-transfer coups in Marcos Senesi and veteran left-back Andy Robertson.
But the spending spree may not be over. A high-profile midfielder could be next through the door—a move that would further signal Tottenham’s intent to be taken seriously at the highest level.
Latest on Spurs’ midfield pursuit
It could have been a very different story had Spurs slipped into relegation. Instead of shopping in the Championship, they’re now chasing two of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.
One audacious target is West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes. Spurs are pushing hard on the player’s side and have already made an enquiry to the Hammers. However, the Portuguese midfielder currently favours a move to Manchester United—a preference that’s hardly surprising.
Valued at up to £85m, Fernandes won’t come cheap. Nor will Sandro Tonali, though there’s more optimism surrounding that deal. Tottenham submitted an opening £75m bid to Newcastle last week, which was rejected, but negotiations are ongoing.
Encouragingly for Spurs, Tonali is open to the move and has already agreed personal terms—unlike Fernandes, who remains undecided.
According to Lee Ryder, chief Newcastle correspondent for the Chronicle, Tottenham are currently in the strongest position to land Tonali, despite interest from Arsenal and Manchester City. City are prioritising Elliot Anderson but do admire the Italian, so Spurs are looking to wrap up a deal quickly to avoid being hijacked.
Ryder also reports that personal terms are settled, with Tonali set to earn £275k-per-week if he makes the switch to north London.
Tonali could be Maddison 2.0 for Spurs
James Maddison endured a nightmare 2025/26 season, missing almost the entire campaign with a pre-season ACL rupture. He managed just 34 minutes across three appearances—a bitter blow for both the player and a side fighting to stay up.
Now fit, Maddison is expected to play a key role under De Zerbi next term. At his best, he’s one of the Premier League’s most elegant playmakers; in 2024/25, he racked up 12 goals and 10 assists. His injury made it easy to forget just how vital he is to Tottenham.
Tonali, too, has had to bide his time. But like Maddison, he has consistently performed at the highest level—for Italy, in Europe, and domestically. At 26, he’s entering his prime and would arrive with extensive Premier League experience, much like Maddison did.
Described by agent Beppe Riso as “one of the best midfielders in the world,” Tonali would be a statement signing. A natural number six, he could address key issues in Spurs’ midfield—particularly their lack of progression and inability to play through the lines last season. In 2025/26, Tonali averaged 6.12 progressive carries per 90 minutes, a figure no Tottenham midfielder matched.
While Maddison and Tonali differ in playing style, what unites them is deep familiarity with English football—a trait Spurs seem to be prioritising this summer, given that Van Hecke, Robertson, and Senesi all arrived from Premier League clubs.
