Tottenham Hotspur have completed a stunning £185 million double swoop, signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United for £85 million and agreeing a £100 million deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Portuguese midfielder’s switch has been confirmed, while Tonali has spoken publicly for the first time about his impending move ahead of a scheduled medical.
Fernandes, a priority target for both Spurs and Manchester United, cited the club’s ambition as a key reason for his decision. “I want to be part of something special,” he said, according to reports. Tonali, meanwhile, explained his reasons for leaving Newcastle, with his transfer now at an advanced stage.
“Tottenham spend £185m on Fernandes and Tonali, while Chelsea, Liverpool, and Man Utd pursue other targets.”
The spending spree comes as Spurs look to rebuild under manager Roberto De Zerbi, who has seen goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky sign a new contract to become his No.1, with Guglielmo Vicario expected to depart. Rumours linking the club with Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford have been dismissed by Sky Sports as without foundation.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Chelsea have announced the signing of Marco Palestra and are now targeting Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano, though the Spanish club appear determined to keep him. A bid for the player has reportedly been rejected.
Liverpool and Arsenal are set to battle for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, but PSG view the 23-year-old as not for sale. The Gunners and Reds see Barcola as an alternative to Yan Diomande and Morgan Rogers.
Manchester United, yet to confirm any incomings this summer, may have seen a potential deal for a midfield target fall through after talks with a Premier League rival. They have turned their attention to Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni, according to reports.
Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes is set to leave the club at the end of the summer transfer window and join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, according to The Athletic. Hughes, who only reunited with former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola at Liverpool, is fully focused on the current trading period but Al Hilal are conducting business on the assumption he will join.
The flurry of activity marks one of the busiest windows in recent memory, with clubs racing to strengthen before the new season. How Tottenham’s new signings will fit into De Zerbi’s system remains to be seen, but the outlay signals a clear intent to challenge at the top of the table.