Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly on the verge of completing a double swoop for midfielders Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United and Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, according to TEAMtalk. Fernandes has already given the club the green light to pursue a deal, accepting their proposal on personal terms, while Spurs are pushing hard for Tonali, potentially offering £100 million for his services.
The potential acquisition of Fernandes is particularly intriguing, with Tottenham insider Wenham drawing comparisons between the Portuguese midfielder and former Spurs star Mousa Dembele. While acknowledging differences in physique, Wenham noted the similarities in how both players carry the ball and transition play from deep positions. He believes Fernandes, despite appearing to have an attacking skillset based on goal and assist numbers, frequently initiates play from a deeper role.
Tottenham’s ambition to improve after finishing 17th in the Premier League for the past two seasons is driving these moves. The club has already added defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, and Jan Paul van Hecke to their squad, and manager Roberto de Zerbi is prioritizing midfield reinforcements. De Zerbi reportedly wants Tonali as a holding midfielder to dictate play, and Fernandes to provide both defensive solidity and forward drive.
Manchester United have also entered the race for Fernandes, opening formal talks with West Ham, however, Tottenham are currently leading the chase, reportedly prepared to offer the player higher wages than their rivals. Newcastle are reportedly unhappy at the prospect of losing Tonali, but Tottenham are prepared to break their transfer record to secure his signature. The potential fee for Fernandes is also expected to be substantial, making it the most expensive transfer in Tottenham’s history.
These signings would significantly strengthen Tottenham’s midfield options, providing De Zerbi with a blend of defensive stability and creative impetus. The arrival of two top-quality midfielders could be pivotal in their attempt to climb the Premier League table.
