Tottenham Hotspur have built up their defense with the signings of Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson, and Jan Paul van Hecke, and now it is time for them to address the midfield. Roberto De Zerbi rightfully wants to pursue multiple top players in the middle of the park and overhaul the position.
His main target is Italian international Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, but he is also going hard after another potential 80-100 million pound transfer in midfield in Mateus Fernandes from rivals West Ham United.
Manchester United and Real Madrid are both going hard after Fernandes after his breakout 2025/26 season with the Hammers, and Man United have been the most interested of all the clubs in signing the player.
Sandro Tonali isn't the only big target for Tottenham
However, via The United Stand, transfer insider Ben Jacobs is reporting that with the asking price of 80-85 million pounds still set by West Ham for the 21 year old Portuguese international, Manchester United are looking at alternative like old target Carlos Baleba nad even Sander Berge.
While Jacobs says that Fernandes is still Manchester United's top target, the fact that they are looking at other options and not fully progressing means that Tottenham Hotspur should take this as a subtle hint that they have an opening and a real shot at Fernandes if they act quickly.
A lot of great coaches seem to be smitten with Mateus Fernandes, including Jose Mourinho over at Real Madrid, so if Roberto De Zerbi is 100 percent sold that he is the best defensive midfield signing and the logical successor to loan acquisition Joao Palhinha, then Tottenham might as well pay up for both Sandro Tonali and Fernandes at 85 million pounds each this summer.
Investing big in the midfield is one of the best things a club can do, especially a club like Tottenham that has finished 17th in the Premier League in the last two seasons and been totally overrun in the middle of the park due to a lack of athleticism and quality.
Fernandes is a guy who had seven goal contributions and four combined tackles and interceptions per game, creating chances and holding possession while doing a lot on both ends of the pitch. He is the sort of young, modern 6 and 8 hybrid midfielder who can be worth the big money for Tottenham. Manchester United are stiff competition, but them wavering even slightly is good news for Spurs.
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