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Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi will start looking at midfield and attacking reinforcements now, after strengthening his defence in N17.

Spurs have had a busy start to the summer transfer window, bringing in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively, as well as signing Jan Paul van Hecke from De Zerbi's former club Brighton in a £52million deal.

That will certainly help to shore up a defence that has leaked 246 goals in the last four Premier League seasons combined, but changes need to be made further up the pitch too.

Spurs ready to move on to other transfer targets

The likes of Sandro Tonali, Matues Fernandes, Savinho, Said El Mala and Dusan Vlahovic have all been linked with moves to north London and Spurs next move will be interesting to see.

A new name has come to the fore with regard to midfield reinforcements and that is Celtic star Benjamin Nygren.

With Tottenham not in European competition this coming season, De Zerbi will not want to have too big a squad as he may find it difficult to offer everyone game time and keep them happy.

But Nygren would certainly offer strength in depth, if not improving the starting XI as it stands.

The Swede, on duty currently at the World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, scored 21 goals and laid on nine assists in 58 appearances for the Scottish champions last season, proving his capabilities as a goalscoring midfielder.

He started 43 of those matches, showing he was an integral part of Martin O'Neill's set up, playing a key role in the Premiership end of season split, during which time Celtic won every single match to lift the trophy.

Celtic are understood to be demanding a fee of €30million (£26million) for the 24-year-old and, according to SportsBoom, Spurs have already made contact with the Bhoys' star's representatives over a move, signalling their intent. Nygren is also reportedly keen on the move south.

They may not have it all their own way, however, with Brighton and Bournemouth also tracking Nygren ahead of a summer move.

Chris Sutton remains unconvinced about Nygren

Former Celtic star Chris Sutton once described Nygren as the "strangest player in Scotland" because of his goalscoring form and his limitations in other midfield departments.

He said: "Nygren is an enigma, isn’t he? He’s the strangest player in Scottish football. You look at his goals record, and it’s amazing.

"He has this tremendous instinct for goals. But actually, what you want from him in that midfield is to control games. I just don’t think he has the legs. I don’t know what his best position is. I think that’s something that has been levelled at him throughout his career.

"The Premier League interest, that’s where I would be sceptical. I don’t think he has the dynamism. He has a wonderful instinct for his movement in the box and where it’s going to land— a nice left foot and a good finisher. I am not so sure, just personally."

Tottenham have been busy in the summer transfer window, bringing in three new signings already.

Spurs are looking to transform their squad under Roberto De Zerbi after back-to-back 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, only just staving off relegation to the Championship on the final day of last season.

And the free signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi from Liverpool and Bournemouth, as well as the £52million capture of Jan Paul van Hecke from De Zerbi's old club Brighton this early in the window shows they mean business.

De Zerbi looking at midfield and attacking reinforcements now

It is a clear indication that De Zerbi know he has to shore up his defence too, with Spurs having conceded 246 goals in their last four Premier League seasons combined.

The fixtures for the 2026/27 campaign were revealed on Thursday, with Tottenham handed a favourable-looking start to the new season. Spurs take on Brentford away on the opening weekend, with the game live on Sky Sports on Saturday evening, before a home game with Newcastle United. They then face Nottingham Forest away before home games with Everton and Aston Villa before the first international break of the season kicks in.

De Zerbi will want even more signings through the door before the season gets under way and they are already in talks with a number of other players, further up the pitch.

Spurs have opened talks with Manchester City over a move for Savinho, while GIVEMESPORT understands they are willing to splash out between £80million and £85million to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United this summer.

Spurs prepare move for another midfielder

But Spurs are also one of the clubs interested in swooping for wanted West Ham man Mateus Fernandes. Following the Hammers' relegation to the Championship, Fernandes has been linked with an exit from the London Stadium, with Manchester United heavily linked with a move for the £80milion-rated Portuguese midfielder.

Tottenham are also in talks, though, as revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: "It's true that Tottenham called the agent of the player, so Tottenham had a conversation with the agent of the player, and are interested in Mateus Fernandes, but at the moment it's still early in order to say where he's going.

"Tottenham calling, Manchester United in talks, Real Madrid under consideration, he was one of the names indicated now 10 days ago by Jose Mourinho on that Tuesday when he arrived in Madrid, had a meeting with the board, and started discussing options. So that's the situation for Mateus Fernandes."

Tottenham, will essentially be paying £60million for four years of service if they complete a deal to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.

Spurs made a bold move this week to sign the Italian in a big-money move in what has been described as a "statement signing" by the Lilywhites.

After finishing 17th in the Premier League for the second season in a row, owners the Lewis Family have vowed to invest in the team and new head coach Roberto De Zerbi - the club's fourth manager in less than a year when he arrived at the end of March.

Big signings have already been made by Tottenham

De Zerbi guided the club away from the embarrassment of relegation to the Championship, with a 1-0 win over Everton on the final day of the season securing their status as a Premier League side.

Work has already begun on revamping the squad De Zerbi inherited from Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi arriving from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively. Tottenham have also agreed a deal worth £52million to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.

They are all defensive signings, with De Zerbi moving up the pitch to make further additions too, which is where Tonali comes in. De Zerbi is pushing for a move to sign his fellow Italian this summer to add bite to his midfield in N17.

GIVEMESPORT understands Spurs want to make a statement signing this summer and with Newcastle United expecting a fixed fee of around £85million, with £15million or so in add-ons to take a deal up to the £100million mark, Tonali would certainly be that.

The Magpies are willing to let Tonali leave this summer, although the departure was expected to be to a club competing in European competition next season, something Spurs are not.

For Tottenham, signing Tonali is an expensive, but necessary move that would take the club to the next level.

Last summer Spurs brought Joao Palhinha back to the Premier League, on loan from Bayern Munich and did have an option to buy the Portuguese for around £26million this summer. De Zerbi admitted before the season ended that he would "100%" like to sign Palhinha permanently, but the option to buy was not taken up before the deadline and while Tottenham could still bring the 30-year-old back to N17, if they sign Tonali for £85million you've got to think a deal for Palhinha would be dead in the water.

According to DataMB, Tonali ranks higher when it comes to progressive passes, forward passes and ball carrying. Unsurprisingly, Palhinha fares better in the duels and averages more tackles pre 90 than the Italian.

Tonali's heat map for the 2025/26 season shows he does his best work between the two boxes and he actually created six big chances for teammates last season, with an expected assists figure of 2.89. Palhinha's heat map shows the bulk of his work being done in his own half, scoring more goals, popping up with crucial ones at crucial times for Spurs, but only creating one big chance with an xA of 0.66.

Tonali is a more well-rounded midfielder, who can operate in a defensive or more attacking role for De Zerbi. Palhinha, despite the goals, is perhaps more limited.

Spurs can finally show the rest of the big six they mean business

Then there's their ages. At 30, signing Palhinha does not offer any financial gain to Tottenham. He would likely be signing his last big contract if he were to come in on a £26million deal - the price of the option to buy with Bayern - and is entering the twilight of his career, albeit with a fair few years still ahead of him providing he stays injury free.

Tonali is four years the Portuguese's junior, and depending on the length of contract and how long the Italian can play on for, Spurs could actually still go on and sell him down the line and make some money back.

It's a big-money deal, but Spurs have been criticised for so long for not putting their money on the table and really challenging financially with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. Signing Tonali is a chance to prove their finally willing to make that change and battle for the best players and the biggest pieces of silverware with it.

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to deal Manchester United a transfer blow with manager Roberto De Zerbi wanting the club to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to David Ornstein.

Man United are holding 'official' talks with the Portuguese star's agent and the Irons over a transfer move, but now Tottenham are ready to join the race for his signature.

The Red Devils may have the buy-in of the 21-year-old, who is keen to link up with Portuguese compatriot Bruno at Old Trafford, but they are yet to agree a fee with the Irons.

Meanwhile, Spurs appear to be the busiest Premier League club in the summer transfer window, having already confirmed two signings in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, while they have also agreed a deal worth £52m to sign another centre-back in Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and Hove Albion.

Now, attention appears to have turned to bolstering their midfield, with the north Londoners already in negotiations to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent basis, with the 30-year-old giving priority to remaining at Spurs, according to Fabrizio Romano, despite reports he wants to return to Portugal.

Tottenham are now also ramping up their efforts to sign two more Premier League midfielders.

Ornstein: De Zerbi Wants Tonali and Fernandes at Tottenham

GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs revealed earlier this week that Tottenham had made an enquiry for West Ham star Fernandes, and now Athletic journalist David Ornstein says that the interest in the 21-year-old 'superstar' is being driven by De Zerbi.

The midfielder's future has been thrown into doubt by the fact that the Hammers have been relegated to the Championship, with Fernandes already deciding 12 months ago that he didn't want to play at that level after Southampton suffered the same fate.

Tottenham are also working on a deal to try and sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, and according to Ornstein, De Zerbi and Spurs are keen to bring in both players.

The north Londoners will face competition for Fernandes' signature from Man United, who have held talks over wages and a fee to bring him to Old Trafford.

Expensive Double Deal for Tottenham

While De Zerbi is keen for Tottenham to show ambition and sign both Tonali and Fernandes, it will be easier said than done.

Newcastle United are said to be demanding a total package worth around £100m to let the Italy international leave St James' Park, while West Ham have set a valuation of £80m on Fernandes' head.

Tottenham may have signed Senesi and Robertson for nothing, but they have already spent in excess of £50m on Van Hecke, so it will be interesting to see what budget they are working with for the rest of the window.

Spurs are also in negotiations over a move for Manchester City winger Savinho, who again is likely to cost north of £60m, 12 months on from their initial interest in the Brazilian.

What is clear is the ambition from Tottenham and De Zerbi to move back up the Premier League after two successive 17th-placed finishes.

Liverpool have made contact to sign Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Micky van de Ven, according to a reliable reporter in the Netherlands.

Liverpool's main transfer priority right now appears to be strengthening in the wide positions, with a £34m deal to sign Osasuna winger Victor Munoz confirmed on Thursday night.

News of the move for the Spain international only emerged on Wednesday night, when it was confirmed that the Merseyside outfit had hijacked Newcastle United's move for the left-sided forward at the last minute.

Munoz has signed a six-year deal at Anfield and became Andoni Iraola's first signing since he was appointed as Arne Slot's successor at the beginning of the month.

Liverpool have also now seen a bid rejected for their preferred Mohamed Salah replacement on Thursday, with RB Leipzig turning down their proposal worth €100m for the Ivory Coast sensation.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the German club want €120m to even begin considering an exit for the teenager, who has become one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe.

The Reds must now decide if they're going to return with an improved offer for the explosive winger, or turn their attentions elsewhere.

Club chiefs are clearly looking at strengthening other positions too.

Liverpool 'Knock on the Door' for Micky van de Ven

According to respected Dutch journalist Mike Verweij on Thursday night, Liverpool and Barcelona are now knocking on the door for Tottenham defender Van de Ven.

The Telegraaf reporter claims that the European giants have made contact after an impasse in contract talks between the 'world-class' Netherlands international and Spurs.

GIVEMESPORT sources reported previously that there was an openness from the 25-year-old to pen new terms at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi, but there has been no breakthrough yet.

Liverpool are circling though, as they consider adding another new centre-back to their ranks following the departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid, with new boy Jeremy Jacquet and last summer's signing Giovanni Leoni without a Premier League appearance between them.

Van de Ven Would Boost Liverpool Defence

Liverpool conceded the most goals they ever have in a Premier League season last term, and Iraola will know that record needs to improve if the Reds are to become title contenders again next term.

As things stand, his options at centre-back are the captain Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, as well as the inexperienced Jacquet and Leoni, who is returning from a long-term injury.

It would be no surprise that Iraola may want another experienced body in that position to help them in the Premier League and the Champions League, and Van de Ven would fit the bill having played in both competitions.

The other obvious advantage of signing Van de Ven is that Van Dijk already has an existing relationship with him, having played alongside him for the Netherlands, as they did in their opening 2026 World Cup group match against Japan.

Van de Ven is unlikely to come on the cheap though, given his importance to Tottenham and De Zerbi.

Tottenham are said to be keen on a talented young midfielder as they look to repeat the success they have already had with the signing of Archie Gray. Spurs are fully focused on improving their squad this summer as they look to become European qualification contenders next season.

Roberto De Zerbi is to be handed a war chest to improve his squad, although the club will have plenty of say in who is signed this summer. Ready-made starters are being targeted to improve the quality of the starting XI, but Spurs must also keep an eye on the future, and they are always in the market for the best young talent available.

De Cat race begins

Spurs are said to be interested in Anderlecht star Nathan De Cat, who has been dazzling at just 17 years of age. The central midfielder is already a regular for the Belgian club's senior team, racking up 46 appearances across all competitions, while he also contributed three goals and five assists.

The box-to-box midfielder has a year remaining on his contract, putting Anderlecht in a tricky position as clubs begin to circle for their talented youngster. De Cat has been linked with a host of clubs, including Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, and Tottenham are named as the main source of Premier League interest by TEAMtalk, although other Premier League clubs are said to have inquired.

Tottenham are said to have formalised their interest with 'extensive contact', asking Anderlecht about the conditions of a possible deal this summer. Spurs are said to view De Cat as a deep-lying midfielder who can go on to become a starter, with the player being described by one notorious scout as 'the future of Belgian football'.

Spurs success with youngsters

Tottenham have had plenty of success in signing young talents over the years, be it Gareth Bale, Lucas Bergvall or Archie Gray. Gray, in particular, has been a real success story, already becoming a regular starter while a teenager, although he is now 20 years of age.

Gray is a midfielder just like De Cat, but he is able to perform at a remarkable level at centre-back and full-back, especially given his youth and relative lack of experience.

Spurs paid £40million to Leeds United for Gray, and with each of his two seasons at the club it has looked increasingly as though that fee was a bargain. The 20-year-old is well on his way to being an England international, and indeed an England regular.

It will be hoped De Cat can follow a similar progression should Spurs manage to get their hands on him.

Tottenham look to step up their efforts to land a Premier League midfielder Roberto De Zerbi is pushing to land. Spurs are in the midst of a big recruitment drive as they look to go from bottom half-dwellers to European qualification candidates in the space of just a few months.

De Zerbi is being firmly backed by the Spurs board as they look to live up to their promises of changes to what has been a failing approach despite a recent Europa League title. It has become clear that this squad is in need of an overhaul, and it looks as though De Zerbi will get the opportunity to lead it.

A number of targets have been linked with Spurs as they look to add to the captures of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, and it seems one of the more glamorous names may actually be on the table.

Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali in recent days, and it seems they have a credible chance of landing the 'monster' Italian due to a De Zerbi factor.

"Yeah, I see a lot of excitement on social media on this one from Tottenham fans, of course. I maintain my update, my news," Fabrizio Romano reported on his YouTube channel. "So, first of all, Tottenham are in conversations with Sandro Tonali's camp. Second, Sandro Tonali wants to go to Tottenham, and so he's keen on the move, and I don't think it's going to be any problem with the player financially or in terms of contract. Also, because the connection with the De Zerbi is very clear, as I was mentioning in a video yesterday, they are both from Brescia, so the connection is very, very good. And also important to mention on this one about Sandro Tonali, soon Tottenham will reach out to Newcastle to start conversations. Then the price is going to be the point.

"Let's see, I think this is going to be around €100million (£86.6m), maybe something more than the initial request. And then let's see the conversation, but De Zerbi is pushing, and so let's wait for the club-to-club negotiations. But Tottenham are interested."

Tonali the next Pirlo

Spurs are looking for a midfielder who can control the ball and the tempo of the game, and according to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, Tonali has those metronomic qualities. He said back in 2024: "When I first saw Sandro play, there were definite links to Pirlo, without a doubt - and it's not just the hair. There's more to it than that. He's definitely got those similar qualities in terms of build and style, but I think the thing that sets Sandro apart from anyone else was he could do all of those things technically and tactically, and looked really good, but it's his athleticism as well, his ability to run.

"We've seen that in recent games from a defensive viewpoint now more than an attacking viewpoint, where he's sprinting to put out fires for us, nicking balls, intercepting balls, using his athleticism to track runners. He's been excellent in that respect and think that's really helped the team. Yes, there are the obvious ones [comparisons] in terms of his technique and his passing and everything else, but I think that's the thing that sets him apart."

Tottenham are bracing themselves for their transfer move to sign Sandro Tonali this summer to be hijacked by Manchester City.

Spurs have been one of the busier clubs already this summer, bringing in two new players on free transfers, as well as agreeing a deal for another.

Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson will link up with the Lilywhites from Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively after their World Cup adventures with Argentina and Scotland are over, while Jan Paul van Hecke looks set to arrive in a £52million deal from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Lewis Family vowed to invest in the Tottenham squad

Roberto De Zerbi and Spurs already mean business in the summer transfer window, with the Lewis Family vowing to back the Italian with investment into the squad.

GIVEMESPORT understands that the Spurs owners want to make a statement signing this summer and there are talks ongoing over a deal to bring Savinho to the club from Manchester City.

But any move for the forward would be surpassed by a transfer for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. Spurs burst to the front of the queue to sign the 26-year-old earlier this week when news emerged of a planned £80million to £85million move for the Italian.

Newcastle want in the region of £100million to sell the midfielder and there is a feeling around St James' Park that he will depart the club this summer.

Tottenham are keen to get a deal over the line for Tonali to strengthen the middle of the park, with reports surfacing that the player is keen on the move to north London too.

But Spurs are not the only club interested in signing him this summer. Manchester United have been linked with a move, given their plan to sign two central midfielders this summer. Arsenal were linked in January, although a move never came to fruition and the Gunners could make another move this time around.

And then there's Manchester City, who lost Bernardo Silva this week and could well say goodbye to Rodri too, with question marks over his future at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City aiming to bring in two midfielders this summer

City's attention for now, is on signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with two bids of more than £100million already rejected by owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Any suggestion that City are only planning for one midfield arrival appear to be wide of the mark, however. GMS understands that City, like Spurs, are in talks to sign Tonali and Teamtalk reporter Graeme Bailey has gone even further in saying: "I am told City made it clear during the process that they don’t see Tonali as some sort of alternative to Elliot Anderson - ideally they want both.”

Teamtalk also state that the Etihad Stadium would be his preference upon leaving St James' Park this summer, if he cannot make the move to Serie A - an opportunity that has been removed because of the finances.

Tottenham may have thought they would have it all their own way in the race to sign Tonali with United put off by the price, City going all out for Anderson and Arsenal appearing to move for Manu Kone, but they may face a battle to complete the £100million deal after all.

Tottenham are still said to be firmly in the race for one of the most in-demand Premier League players this summer. Spurs have already made a solid start to their summer business, with Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson snapped up, and attention is now firmly on continuing to strengthen with further signings.

Spurs and Roberto De Zerbi are hoping to compete for European football next season, and while there is existing talent in the squad, it's no easy task to go from back-to-back bottom half finishes to a top seven finish. Heavy recruitment is going to be required, and it looks as though that is what the Tottenham board intend to deliver.

Spurs still in Wharton race

One of the most intriguing Premier League transfer narratives this summer is where Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton is going to end up. The midfielder is expected to be on the move for big money having consistently impressed with the Eagles, and we are beginning to get a clearer picture of where he could end up.

According to FlashScore, both Tottenham and Liverpool remain firmly interested in Wharton this summer. In fact, it's claimed Spurs view the 'incredible' star as one of their primary targets this summer. That's despite ongoing talks over the potential permanent transfer of Joao Palhinha.

The North London club lose Yves Bissouma this summer, so it's logical they will try to sign another midfielder or two, and there are also links with Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, who would likely be a Wharton alternative. Spurs are said to have been tracking Wharton for at least a year, remaining patient in timing their move.

Liverpool are also said to be keen, though, and they are said to view Wharton and AFC Bournemouth's Alex Scott as their main targets for the midfield, although it will be one or the other. The Reds seek a midfielder capable of controlling the midfield.

'Exceptional' Wharton's price and attraction

Wharton is likely to cost a huge fee this summer, with £100million floated as a reported Palace asking price. Though Premier League clubs might be confident of reducing that fee to around £80million despite the midfielder having three years remaining on his current deal.

Eberechi Eze joined Arsenal for £67.5million in a club-record sale for Palace, and so £80million would be a fresh record, and Wharton could push for an exit if the right club comes in this summer, which would weaken Palace's leverage at the negotiations table.

Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks to sign West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville as they continue to ramp up their summer transfer plans, according to TEAMtalk.

Tottenham have been the busiest Premier League club in the transfer window to date, which was needed after they recorded successive 17th-placed finishes in England's top flight, only avoiding relegation to the Championship on the final day this term.

Spurs have already announced the signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, with Jan Paul van Hecke set to join the duo at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after they reached a full agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion to sign the Netherlands international.

The 26-year-old is set to complete his move to north London after the 2026 World Cup, where he is currently representing his nation.

Tottenham are currently in talks over three more deals, with Fabrizio Romano reporting Joao Palhinha is giving priority to signing for them permanently following his season-long loan spell from Bayern Munich.

Spurs are also in talks over a statement deal to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, with the player reportedly agreeing personal terms to play under Roberto De Zerbi, while they also remain locked in talks for Manchester City winger Savinho.

Tottenham 'Make Move' to Sign Crysencio Summerville

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham have now 'made a move' and contacted West Ham over a deal to sign in-demand attacker Summerville.

The Netherlands international is one of the most in-demand wide players on the market following the Irons' relegation to the Championship, with the 24-year-old expected to depart the London Stadium rather than playing in the second tier.

Summerville further enhanced his profile with a brilliant goal in his nation's 2-2 draw with Japan in their opening 2026 World Cup match, and has caught the eye with his explosive pace and the goal threat he offers.

West Ham are said to value the Dutchman at around £50m, given he still has three years remaining on his contract in east London, although it could be negotiable given the club's need to balance the books following relegation.

Tottenham Prepare Concrete Offer for German Star

Reports from Germany have also claimed that Tottenham are set to launch a concrete offer to sign another winger in young Koln winger Said El Mala.

De Zerbi is said to be a big admirer of the 19-year-old German, who contributed 17 goals and assists for the Bundesliga side in his first-ever season playing top-flight football.

While he is predominantly a winger, the youngster has shown his versatility by playing through the middle as a No.10 and even as a centre-forward.

Should Tottenham successfully sign two of Savinho, Summerville and El Mala, it will be interesting to see if it could lead to any player exits.