Tottenham push for Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in summer midfield shake-up

Tottenham Hotspur are actively pursuing two midfield signings this summer — Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes — according to reporting on 23 June 2026. The interest comes as manager Roberto De Zerbi prepares to use significant funds to strengthen his midfield, with Spurs seen as willing to outspend rivals for one of the targets. The moves matter because they would represent major additions to De Zerbi’s squad and could reshape Tottenham’s midfield options ahead of the new season.

Why it matters

Tottenham’s reported interest in both Tonali and Fernandes signals an aggressive summer recruitment drive in midfield. Adding either player would address central areas crucial to De Zerbi’s plans and demonstrate Spurs’ readiness to compete financially with Premier League and continental rivals. The Fernandes situation also illustrates how West Ham’s relegation is expected to trigger departures, creating opportunities for buyers.

What Spurs are reportedly planning

The Guardian report says Tottenham have been given substantial funds by De Zerbi and are targeting two major midfield signings. Spurs are said to be pushing to sign Sandro Tonali despite the expectation that his current club will demand a very large fee, and they have also entered the race for Mateus Fernandes. The report frames Spurs as prepared to invest heavily — including on Fernandes, where they may be willing to outbid Manchester United on financial terms.

Mateus Fernandes: a likely departure from relegated West Ham

According to the source, West Ham’s relegation has created a need to raise funds and Fernandes is expected to be one of the players who could leave. Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton last summer for a reported £38m and made a strong impression during his first season. Manchester United are identified as a key suitor for the 21-year-old, while Real Madrid have also been mentioned as having considered a move.

The report emphasises that Tottenham have entered the race for Fernandes and are ready to match or exceed financial proposals from other interested clubs. No official offers or agreements are reported in the source.

Sandro Tonali pursuit — the fee question

Spurs are also described as pushing to recruit Sandro Tonali, the Italy international. The Guardian notes that Tonali’s current club would demand a very large fee, creating a potential obstacle to any move. The story does not include precise figures or whether clubs have opened formal negotiations, only that Tottenham are interested despite the anticipated cost.

Other linked targets mentioned

The same report lists a small number of additional names connected with Premier League clubs. Tottenham are among the clubs tracking Dominic Solanke’s former teammate or Summerville (as noted in reporting), and Chelsea have been linked with Como’s Jacobo Ramón and with Marco Palestra. These mentions indicate broader midfield and attacking scouting activity across top English clubs, but the Guardian piece focuses principally on Spurs’ double midfield interest.

• Tottenham are pushing to sign Sandro Tonali and have entered the race to sign Mateus Fernandes.
• Roberto De Zerbi has been allocated significant funds and is prioritising midfield reinforcements.
• West Ham’s relegation is expected to force player sales; Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton for £38m last summer.
• Manchester United are a major interested party for Fernandes; Real Madrid have also been linked.
• Newcastle are expected to demand a large fee for Tonali, potentially complicating a move.

What happens next — transfer process and hurdles

At this stage, the source identifies interest rather than completed deals. For either move to progress, clubs would need to open formal talks, agree on transfer fees with selling sides and reach personal terms with players. Newcastle’s anticipated high asking price for Tonali and West Ham’s need to raise cash — which makes Fernandes likely to be sold — are two of the principal factors that will shape any negotiations.

With Manchester United also pursuing Fernandes and Real Madrid reportedly interested, any bidding situation could become competitive, with financial muscle likely to determine the outcome if multiple clubs make offers.

What it means for Tottenham

If Spurs complete either signing, they would add a player suited to central control and ball progression — roles De Zerbi values. The reported willingness to outspend rivals on Fernandes suggests Tottenham view immediate upgrades to midfield as a priority. However, the cost of securing Tonali and competition for Fernandes mean transfers will not be straightforward.

What happens next

Watch for formal offers or statements from the clubs involved. The Guardian report sets out the landscape — interest, financial readiness at Spurs and the consequences of West Ham’s relegation — but confirmation will require club announcements or multiple reporting sources. Any completed transfers would be subject to the usual medicals, contracts and registration during the transfer window.

This article will be updated as further, verified information becomes available.