SPORTbible

Tottenham are showing no signs of slowing down in the summer transfer window after making a huge statement of intent.

Spurs only survived in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth last term as they recorded back-to-back 17th-place finishes.

But in an attempt to challenge for Europe once more, the club's hierarchy has armed Roberto De Zerbi with a war chest, allowing the Italian to splash the cash.

The summer window has only been officially open for three weeks, but Tottenham are about to break their transfer record for the second time in a matter of days after agreeing a £100million transfer for Sandro Tonali.

The Newcastle United midfield maestro will join £85m arrival Mateus Fernandes and £52m defender Jan Paul van Hecke, with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka all arriving as free transfers.

Tottenham's owners are determined to turn the tide and show they remain a 'big six' club, as their relentless spending looks set to continue.

According to Friday's print edition of Corriere della Serra, super agent Jorge Mendes has offered AC Milan winger Rafael Leao to Tottenham after helping Fernandes move to north London.

Leao has already expressed his desire to leave the Italian giants and could be available for €60m (£51.3m) or on a loan with an obligation to buy, despite holding an eye-watering €175m release in his contract.

The 27-year-old, who is currently starring for Portugal at the World Cup, would offer De Zerbi a potentially world-class option on the left flank.

De Zerbi isn't currently spoilt for choice with quality wing options, largely relying on Mathys Tel last term, with Leao presenting a huge upgrade.

Combining explosive pace with direct dribbling and incredible end product, the Portuguese international is one of the best wingers in the world on his day, and the statistics certainly reinforce that claim.

Rafael Leao is the elite winger Tottenham need

Spurs have encountered a multitude of problems in recent years, and one of those is players who are reliable enough to produce consistent output in the final third.

Richarlison was the club's top scorer in the Premier League last term with 11, but second to him was defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha with five as their attacking problems were exposed.

Leao has shown that he can fix that issue, having produced 145 goal involvements in 291 appearances for Milan, while also scoring and assisting at this year's World Cup.

A goal threat down the flank and when he moves into central areas, Leao is equally elite at creating chances, ranking in the top 16 per cent of Serie A wingers for successful crosses per 90 last term and top 10 per cent for big chances created.

In big game moments, De Zerbi is crying out for someone with speed, guile and composure in the box, and the AC Milan superstar can provide those traits in abundance.

Leao is the sort of signing that could transform their attack if he returns to his best, giving Tottenham even more reason to secure an agreement.

Tottenham Hotspur aren't slowing down as they've reportedly identified another £80million star as their next transfer target.

The Premier League transfer window hasn't even been open for three weeks but Spurs are wasting no time in making several massive statement signings.

After a dismal season saw them finish 17th and just two points clear of the relegation zone, it's clear that the club want new manager Roberto De Zerbi has an elite squad ready to challenge for a spot in Europe once again.

So far this summer, Spurs have already completed SIX signings, the first being Andrew Robertson and Marcos Senesi who arrived from Liverpool and Bournemouth as free transfers following the expiration of their contracts.

Spurs then splashed out on the £52m signing of Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who joined from Brighton having previously worked with De Zerbi at the Amex.

Another free transfer for Martin Dubravka followed, with the former Manchester United and Burnley goalkeeper arriving ahead of the expected departure of Guglielmo Vicario this summer.

On Tuesday, Spurs won the race for Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, beating Manchester United by agreeing an £85m deal to sign the star player from West Ham.

Less than 24 hours later, the London club broke their transfer record for a second time this week with another blockbuster midfield signing after agreeing a deal worth up to £100m with Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali.

And now, Spurs are reportedly eyeing up Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi as their next target as they look to bring in a left forward to add to their attacking line.

Following his standout season with Bournemouth last season, the Frenchman has attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

The one sicking point for several clubs interested in Kroupi is his price point, with The Independent reporting that Bournemouth are looking for north of £80m for the 20-year-old.

But this is apparently not an issue for Spurs, who will ramp up their pursuit of the youngster in the coming weeks.

Failing that, AC Milan star Rafael Leao and Manchester City's Savinho are reportedly other options for Spurs on the wing, with discussions also ongoing about a move for City goalkeeper James Trafford.

Will Spurs break the Premier League spending record?

So far this summer, Spurs have already spent a whopping £237m, which on its own places them 10th in the rankings of the biggest transfer window spends ever.

Should they spend a further £80m on Kroupi, this would take them north of £300m and all the way up to third in the top 10 rankings.

Currently it is Liverpool sitting on top of the top 10, having spent around £414.5m last summer with blockbuster signings like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, both of which broke the Merseyside club's transfer record.

Behind them having spent £391m in the summer of 2023/24 is Chelsea, who went all out bringing in 11 singings including Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.

If Spurs continue their spending spree this summer, bringing in Kroupi, Trafford and any other signings, it is almost certain that they will work their way further up the top 10 and could even claim the top spot from Liverpool given time.

Tottenham Hotspur looks poised to sign Sandro Tonali for a fee that could climb to £100 million, and it appears Newcastle United have already spent a significant chunk of this income on a World Cup star.

The rebuild at Spurs is truly underway this summer, as they have already confirmed Andy Robertson, Marco Senesi, and Jan Paul van Hecke will be playing at White Hart Lane next season.

In recent days it appears they are about to add to those additions, and in the process, they broke their record transfer fee spend twice, first with the agreement to bring Mateus Fernandes to the club before the Tonali deal.

Newcastle are expected to see their club captain Bruno Guimaraes make the move to Arsenal this summer, and so fans will be pleased that news has broken that they are set to bring a World Cup star to St James’ Park.

It has been announced, as reported by The Athletic, that Newcastle has agreed to a deal with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim to bring Ivory Coast star Bazoumana Toure to the club for an expected fee of £42 million.

The winger will be a much-needed positive for Newcastle in the summer transfer window, as the club have seen Anthony Gordon leave St James’ Park for Barcelona before this recent news regarding the futures of Tonali and Guimaraes.

Last season in the Bundesliga, Toure scored five goals and laid on nine assists in 29 starts for Hoffenheim, and it is believed he will fill the gap of the departed Gordon.

Newcastle may feel it was important to bring Toure to the club after they missed out on the signing of Victor Munoz last month, with the Spanish international opting to make the move to Liverpool.

While it is expected that Toure will be wearing the black and white of Newcastle next season, fans of the 2025 League Cup winners will not believe it has been done until he is holding the jersey in an official announcement after they lost out on several signings in recent seasons.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to pay an incredible fee to bring Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali to London, and in the process, they will surpass their transfer record for the second day in a row.

Roberto De Zerbi’s rebuild at White Hart Lane to return the club to the top of the Premier League is well underway following a campaign that almost saw them relegated to the Championship, surviving on the final day of last season.

The 2025 Europa League champions have already reached an agreement to bring West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes to the club, with it believed that it cost Spurs £85 million.

This deal would be the biggest transfer fee the club had ever paid; however, they have already eclipsed it within a day of agreeing to the Fernandes signing.

It is being reported by The Athletic that Spurs are set to sign Italian international Tonali from the Magpies for an initial fee of £92.5 million with an additional £7.5 million in proposed add-ons based on multiple Champions League qualifications.

Further to these midfield reinforcements, Spurs have been busy strengthening their options in defence as they brought in Scotland international and former Liverpool star Andy Robertson as a free agent, with Marco Senesi joining the club after his Bournemouth contract expired at the end of last season, while they have also spent £52 million on Dutch centre back Jan Paul van Hecke to lure him away from Brighton and Hove Albion.

Tonali had been a crucial part of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle squad following his move from AC Milan in July 2023, at least when he was available, as he received a 10-month suspension in October of that year after being found guilty of breaching rules on gambling by the Italian Football Federation.

West Ham United have accepted a bid for Mateus Fernandes after the midfielder decided which club to join.

While the majority of European leagues wait until July to open the transfer window, Premier League clubs have now had more than two weeks to work on deals while the World Cup takes place.

The Premier League transfer officially opened on Monday 15 June, with several clubs already completing deals in the early part of the window.

So far the biggest transfer saga of the summer so far has centred on West Ham United star Fernandes, who has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.

After weeks of rumours, it was widely reported that Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were the two frontrunners for the Portugal international's signature, with the Premier League rivals battling it out to secure a deal.

Several reports had suggested that Fernandes was willing to join either club and that it would ultimately come down to West Ham to decide his next destination.

And now, it has been revealed that it is Spurs that have won the race for Fernandes, after making the highest offer to West Ham.

According to David Ornstein, West Ham have accepted an offer worth a guaranteed £85million from their London rivals, with Fernandes happy to make the move.

The report adds that United were simply priced out of the battle as the transfer fee and the player’s salary went higher than they were willing to pay, and the club will now shift their focus to other targets.

Tottenham are reportedly prepared to make a big move in order to beat Manchester United in the race for Matheus Fernandes.

The Premier League transfer window has only been open for two weeks and already several clubs are battling each other for major signings.

Early in the window, Liverpool once again signed a player at the expense of Newcastle United after triggering Osasuna winger’s Victor Munoz's €40million (£34.6m) release clause.

However, the biggest battle of the summer so far appears to be between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, who both are pursuing deals for West Ham's Fernandes.

The Portugal international is widely regarded as one of the most exciting midfielders in England and could be available following the London club's relegation on the final day of the 2025/26 season.

Despite interest from several clubs, both Spurs and United have emerged as the frontrunners to sign major the 21-year-old, with talks progressing over deal in worth around £85million.

In a recent update, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Fernandes remains open to joining either club, with the decision ultimately up to West Ham.

“The player is ready to accept both projects. It now depends on the club, so who can agree terms with West Ham will get the player," Romano stated on his YouTube channel.

"It’s about the money, because they start at £85million, could be more if these clubs keep fighting for the same player, and also payment tariffs are also important for West Ham, so it’s not just about the fee, it’s also about the timing to pay this money.”

Several reports have suggested that it is United are currently leading the way, but Spurs could be prepared to step up their pursuit with a drastic call.

Spurs considering swap deal to secure Matheus Fernandes transfer

According to TeamTalk, Spurs have offered several players in an attempt to tempt them into accepting their deal instead of United's.

One of the players included in a potential deal is believed to be young winger Mikey Moore, who impressed during a loan spell with Rangers last season.

The 18-year-old made 47 appearances across all competitions last season, starting 32, with seven goals and four assists.

It was previously believed that the youngster could return to the Ibrox on another loan deal this season, but he could instead by used to secure a move for Fernandes.

With the Hammers believed to be losing at least one of Crysensico Summerville or Jarrod Bowen this summer, the club could be tempted to take up an offer of an exciting new winger ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Despite this, the report reaffirms the view that a move to Old Trafford remains Fernandes' top choice, with talks between United and West Ham to finalise a deal believed to be progressing.

With Roberto De Zerbi looking to reignite Tottenham Hotspur after a dismal relegation battle in the 2025/26 season, a barrage of signings is being targeted, and Manchester City is a familiar scouting ground.

Spurs have already gotten their rebuild underway with Premier League quality flooding through the gates at their new, swanky stadium.

The new Spurs boss has identified a marquee signing too, as the London club has become the number one destination for pending Newcastle departee Sandro Tonali, although the club has sent some bizarre offers to the Magpies to try and get the deal done.

Sticking with the theme of targeting proven stars, Spurs have now turned their attention towards attacking figures from Liverpool and Manchester City, with the latest rumours indicating a massive coup of the Etihad is on the cards.

Having renewed interest in Brazilian winger Savinho this summer, reports claim that Spurs now want Omar Marmoush.

Spurs reportedly target Marmoush to solve their miserable striker issues

One of the biggest issues at Tottenham comes in the form of their front line. With Dejan Kulusevski still some way off returning, Mohammed Kudus still treating an ACL injury, and Dominic Solanke failing to string together a run of games, the big-money signings have been less than impactful.

Summer recruits in Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel, and Wilson Odebert didn't pull up many trees either, leaving De Zerbi short of goals for the upcoming season.

Now, reports suggest that Omar Marmoush is high up on the list of striking options that Spurs want leading the line next season.

According to independent journalist Nicolò Schira, Marmoush is 'loved' by De Zerbi and would be guaranteed more football than he currently gets at Manchester City.

The 27-year-old forward cost City around £65 million when he arrived from Frankfurt in January, 2025, and has managed 22 goals and assists in 61 appearances.

Marmoush has attracted attention from a number of clubs this summer, though, after being a consistent feature of the City bench, falling down the pecking order dominated by Haaland in the 9 and Cherki in the 10.

The exciting forward may be getting the Julian Alvarez treatment, hoping for more game time.

Spurs will have to fend off competition from Barcelona and Fenerbahçe, who have both been linked with the Egyptian forward.

For now, Marmoush will be keeping his focus fixed on the national team, as Egypt currently tops Group G and is already through to the Round of 32.

Instead of making an improved offer for Sandro Tonali, Tottenham reportedly asked Newcastle United to 'reconsider' their original bid – an approach that has been ridiculed by fans.

Roberto De Zerbi is said to be a huge admirer of Tonali, who is also being monitored by a host of clubs, including Manchester City and Arsenal.

The 26-year-old, meanwhile, is keen to explore his options ahead of the new season. In fact, he is open to a move to London after three seasons with Newcastle, according to a report from the Mail.

Tottenham are pushing to make a deal happen. Following positive talks with Tonali’s camp, they made a £75 million offer for the Italian last week, although that bid was turned down by their Premier League counterparts.

Newcastle believe a figure of around £100 million would be more suitable for the midfielder.

That being said, Tottenham have tried their luck with an unusual approach. Instead of improving on their original offer of £75 million, the club asked Newcastle to reconsider. Unsurprisingly, they were knocked back again.

Here's how fans on social media reacted to Tottenham's latest move.

One said: "Sorry, they just bid the exact same amount and hoped for a different answer?" and a second commented: "Might be one of the greatest transfer stories all summer."

A third wrote: "Spurs think they’re on Vinted," and a fourth said: "Not improving your offer but asking them to reconsider might be one of the funniest transfer moves of all time."

A fifth added: "There is a reason why people call us 'Spursy' laughing stock as always."

Sandro Tonali's preference revealed amid Spurs and Arsenal interest

Arsenal's long-standing interest in Tonali is well known. They explored a potential deal in January and, although no definitive interest has emerged from the Gunners this summer, the Italian would be keen.

Arsenal are understood to be Tonali's preference should they firm up their interest, according to the Mail.

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, meanwhile, has questioned whether a move to Arsenal's North London rivals Tottenham would be the right one.

“Tottenham just avoided relegation," he said. “I get the attraction of London but going to Spurs who have finished so low over the last two years would be a surprise career move for Tonali in my eyes.

“But I’m not surprised if it’s true that he’s made an indication that he wants to leave Newcastle.

“Again, if he doesn’t want to be there, you put the price you want and if someone wants to pay it. It looks as if it’ll have to be three figures, then you say thank you very much, get the £100 million plus and you move on.

“I know Spurs have a new manager and that may be a pull for him, London, obviously. But in terms of the football club, look where they have finished the last two years," added Shearer.

Manchester United are set to lose out on their top midfield target to Spurs as they refuse to pay over the odds this summer.

With Casemiro departing Old Trafford this summer, United are looking for a major reshuffle in the position and have already agreed a £35 million deal to bring Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson.

That transfer appears to have been wrapped up with relative ease but their pursuit of Portugal midfielder Matheus Fernandes is proving trickier.

United have been heavily linked with Fernandes, who has just been relegated from the Premier League on the final day with West Ham.

Despite failing to help the Hammers avoid the drop, the former Sporting CP man's stock has risen and he was nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.

Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have also been credited with interest but the latest development from TEAMtalk is that Spurs are edging closer to an agreement for Fernandes.

West Ham are demanding a fee of £85 million and Spurs are said to be prepared to fork out the club-record sum.

They are willing to pay £65 million up front, with the remainder of the fee coming in add-ons and performance-related bonuses.

The report notes that a deal is "advancing rapidly", with Fernandes giving his full green light and accepting personal terms offered.

A move to Spurs, where he would be a key piece of Roberto De Zerbi's project, would allow him to remain living in London.

While United are not completely out of the race and talks are still ongoing, they are believed to be reluctant to pay over the odds for any player.

That could be the difference in the pursuit for the 21-year-old as United skipper Bruno Fernandes is his idol and they can now offer him Champions League football.

United's director of football Jason Wilcox is set to be leading proceedings on the Fernandes front.

Man United identify alternative if Matheus Fernandes move falls through

As well as not wanting to repeat previous mistakes by splashing on huge transfer fees, United are wary of offering big wages which could cause them problems further down the line.

Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton last summer for more than £40 million.

He made his Portugal debut in March in a friendly against the United States bit was not included in Roberto Martinez's World Cup squad as the former Belgium boss opted to include an extra goalkeeper.

United do have other alternatives in mind when it comes to midfield reinforcements, with Bournemouth star Alex Scott understood to be a player of interest.

New Cherries boss Marco Rose has made it clear that he does not wish to sell Scott despite United being admirers of the talented midfielder.

Scott was integral to Bournemouth's historic sixth-place finish under Andoni Iraola and was in Thomas Tuchel's thinking for the England squad as he headed to Florida with the squad for a pre-World Cup training camp.

Djed Spence's first start for England in their World Cup stage fixture against Ghana has cost his club Tottenham Hotspur a seven-figure fee.

The 25-year-old was chosen to start at left-back by head coach Thomas Tuchel during England's 0-0 draw on Tuesday.

He had earlier come on as a 80th-minute substitute in the opening 4-2 win over Croatia, and impressed sufficiently to replace Nico O'Reilly against Ghana in Boston.

Spence didn't have a significant impact on proceedings on Tuesday, but the same could be said for many of the England starting XI.

Tuchel could be seen on the sidelines berating Spence and left winger Anthony Gordon during the second half, and the pair were substituted at the same time minutes later.

READ NEXT: Thomas Tuchel caught on camera berating one England player during Ghana draw

Like Spence did in the first game, O'Reilly made a positive difference when he replaced the Spurs star on 65 minutes, meaning the pair will surely now do battle for a place in the starting XI for England's third and final group match against Panama.

Why Spurs have to pay extra for Spence

In the meantime, Spurs will have to shell out a seven-figure fee to Spence's previous club Middlesbrough as a result of a clause that was part of the £20 million deal between the two clubs back in 2022.

That's according to Teeside Live, who report that the clause entitles Boro to a fee of £2 million after Spence starts two competitive England matches.

He was named in the starting XI for England's 5-0 win over Latvia in World Cup qualifying last October.

It is also noted that Boro may also benefit from a deal involving Spurs' north London rivals Arsenal this summer.

The Gunners are reportedly keen on a move for Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers, despite Villa placing a price tag of at least £100 million on one of their key assets.

Rogers came through West Brom's academy before signing for Manchester City in 2019, where he spent four years without making a competitive appearance.

After three loan spells elsewhere, he joined Championship side Middlesbrough in the summer of 2023.

Rogers only spent six months on Teeside before Aston Villa signed him for a fee of £8 million, potentially rising to £15m, the following January.

While part of that fee - believed to be 25 per cent - went to Manchester City due to a sell-on clause inserted into the Boro deal, the Championship club stand to benefit substantially from any sale of Rogers.

Their own 20 per cent sell-on fee means they could pocket £20 million or more should Rogers move to Arsenal for a nine-figure fee this summer.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Villa may need to sell a player before the end of the summer to comply with Premier League financial regulations.

"Villa can definitely paint themselves as being in a very strong position to either keep or sell for a fee approaching £100 million," he told the Latte Firm podcast.

"Villa still, even with Champions League football, are looking for a major sale in order to balance their books, get through the final cycle of PSR and satisfy Financial Fair Play."