Tottenham Hotspur are spending big in the summer transfer window after another 17th place league finish last season
Tottenham Hotspur have been given the go-ahead by three transfer targets worth nearly £250million as Roberto De Zerbi continues with his squad overhaul. Spurs barely escaped relegation to the Championship last term after securing 17th place in the Premier League for the second successive year.
That worrying downturn has prompted decision-makers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to loosen the purse strings in a concerted effort to turn around the team's fortunes. De Zerbi, who steered Spurs to safety following his appointment to replace Igor Tudor in late March, has wasted no time putting his stamp on the squad.
The Lilywhites have already wrapped up four first-team additions this summer. The seasoned trio of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have joined on free transfers, with £52m spent on defender Jan Paul van Hecke in a Brighton reunion for De Zerbi.
That sum could easily climb past the £250m threshold in the weeks ahead as Spurs look to finalise at least three more high-profile acquisitions. Bolstering the centre of midfield seems to be De Zerbi's focus, with both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali high on Tottenham's shortlist.
An £85m deal for Fernandes, who suffered relegation with West Ham last season, has seen them beat Manchester United to his signature. Reports stated the Portuguese international is "very keen" on the move to north London, with Spurs getting the green light from him to make the move happen.
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The 21-year-old could find himself alongside Tonali in the midfield. The Newcastle United midfielder is understood to have already settled personal terms with Tottenham and is also eager to make the switch, though Spurs continue to haggle over a fee with the Magpies.
An initial £80m offer was knocked back earlier this summer, yet negotiations are believed to be progressing positively with both clubs edging closer to an agreement in the region of £100m. Spurs may yet face a battle for his signature from north London rivals Arsenal.
Nevertheless, the Gunners are thought to be directing their attention towards Tonali's Newcastle colleague Bruno Guimaraes, potentially leaving Spurs with a clearer path to securing the Italy international. Another name firmly on De Zerbi's radar is Savinho, who could depart Manchester City having managed just one league goal throughout last season.
The Brazilian winger is receptive to leaving the Etihad Stadium, with discussions understood to be advancing over a deal valued at around £60m. This leaves Spurs with three potential signings that could see them splash in excess of £240m, pushing their total summer expenditure towards the £300m mark.