LONDON, July 1 Betandsured. Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitious summer rebuild has gathered significant momentum, with three high value transfer targets collectively worth nearly £250 million giving the green light to moves as Roberto De Zerbi reshapes a squad that narrowly avoided Premier League relegation for the second successive season .
The Italian, who signed a five year deal in March to take charge of a club languishing just one point above the relegation zone, has already overseen the arrival of four first team additions . Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have joined on free transfers, while £52 million was spent on defender Jan Paul van Hecke in a reunion with De Zerbi, who managed the Dutchman at Brighton .
Midfield Overhaul Takes Shape
De Zerbi’s focus has now shifted emphatically to the centre of the pitch. Mateus Fernandes, the 21 year old Portuguese midfielder who endured relegation with West Ham United last season, is understood to be “very keen” on the move to north London . The former Southampton and West Ham player is drawing interest from Manchester United, with reports suggesting he could command a fee upwards of £80 million . Spurs are prepared to offer more attractive terms than their Old Trafford rivals .
Fernandes could be joined at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by Sandro Tonali, the Newcastle United midfielder who has already settled personal terms with the club . The 26 year old Italy international is eager to make the switch, though negotiations over a fee continue with the Magpies . Newcastle have already rejected an initial £80 million offer, but talks are progressing positively, with both clubs edging closer to an agreement in the region of £100 million .
The Athletic has reported that Newcastle value Tonali highly, with sources describing him as possessing a “distinctive profile as a midfielder” that makes him “almost impossible to replace like for like” . His athleticism, endurance and capacity for match defining recovery runs have made him the “ultimate insurance policy” against counter attacks for the Magpies .
Savinho Eyed as Winger Option
Another name firmly on De Zerbi’s radar is Savinho, the Brazilian winger who could depart Manchester City having managed just one league goal throughout last season . The 21 year old is receptive to leaving the Etihad Stadium, with discussions advancing over a deal valued at around £60 million .
The three potential signings would push Spurs’ total summer expenditure towards the £300 million mark, representing a significant statement of intent from a club determined to avoid another season of flirtation with relegation . Arsenal remain interested in Tonali’s Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimaraes, potentially leaving Spurs with a clearer path to securing the Italy international .
De Zerbi, who confirmed upon his appointment that he would remain at the club “no matter what” even in the event of relegation, has made clear his ambition to build a team capable of reaching great achievements . Whether that vision materialises over the coming weeks will depend on whether Spurs can fend off competition and finalise what would be one of the most expensive spending sprees in Premier League history .
