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A Tottenham transfer nightmare could become reality as the search for a new midfielder goes on. Spurs are hoping to land a holding or hybrid midfielder this summer to replace and upgrade on Yves Bissouma, who leaves the club at the end of his contract at the end of this month.

Roberto De Zerbi is being given the chance to overhaul his squad this summer, with Tottenham desperate to avoid a third straight bottom-half finish. Spurs have already made a strong start to the summer, snapping up four signings, including the £52million signing of Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

A midfielder signing looks likely to be next, and Tottenham have a couple of main targets, but there is concerning news about one of them.

Sandro Tonali prefers Arsenal move

In a potentially huge blow to Tottenham's bid to land Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tronali, it is being reported the Italian would prefer to join Arsenal this summer.

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards has posted on X: "I’m pretty relaxed about the Bruno situation at Newcastle following today’s links to Arsenal. He wants a new contract at #nufc and has done for a while. I’m viewing it through that lens at the moment. I also don’t think Tonali really wants to go to Spurs. I’m told he would prefer Manchester City or Arsenal. As ever let’s wait and see. Any chance Newcastle could sign some new players instead of being linked with current ones leaving!!"

Tottenham have already seen a £75million bid rejected by Newcastle for Tonali, and they are yet to make another offer at this stage. It will be interesting to see if this report is accurate, and indeed whether it leads Spurs elsewhere.

Having said that, the issue for Tonali is that Arsenal and City are less likely to make a move for him this summer, given both teams seem to have other priorities.

Spurs could pivot to Fernandes

Tottenham have also been linked with a move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes of late, with Manchester United also keen on the Portugal international. With Newcastle said to want £80million to £90million for Tonali this summer, Spurs may well lean towards Fernandes, especially with the news the former prefers a move to Arsenal.

Fernandes will likely be available for £80million following West Ham's rejection, and that could be defining when it comes to choosing between the two. Fernandes is also likely to be willing to join any club with European hopes, while Tonali is likely to want a club competing in the Champions League, which Spurs cannot offer.

Tottenham have received a big boost in their reported bid to land a statement Premier League deal this summer. Spurs have been one of the busiest teams in the summer transfer window so far, snapping up four new signings already, including Martin Dubravka, who is their latest signing.

Roberto De Zerbi wants a whole new look to his Tottenham squad, and few can blame him, given how poorly Spurs have performed in the last two Premier League campaigns. There is a real 'enough is enough' feel to this particular Tottenham recruitment drive, and money will continue to be spent over the coming weeks and months.

Signing a midfielder is now at the top of Tottenham's priority list, and there is good news for the North London on that front.

Tonali ready to make the move

Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has emerged as one of Tottenham's top targets in this window. In fact, Spurs have already seen a £75million offer for the Italian rejected, with Newcastle holding out for something between £80million and £90million.

There were reports doing the rounds that Tonali would prefer a move elsewhere as he looks to play Champions League football, but according to a fresh report from Sky Sports News. that is not the case.

According to the report, Tonali is, in fact, ready to join Tottenham, as long as they can reach a deal with a current club. It's reported the midfielder is keen to play for De Zerbi, and he is said to have been offered £275,000-per-week to make the move to Hotspur Way.

Why do Tottenham want Tonali?

Tottenham are willing to spend big money to land Tonali, and that's because they know they would be getting a proven Premier League player who is capable of playing in just about any midfield. De Zerbi wants this Spurs side to be dominant and attacking, and that's what Tonali brings.

The Italian is an aggressive player whose game revolves around winning the ball back as quick as possible and driving up the pitch. Described as 'fast' and a 'complete midfielder' who is able to play as a six, eight and a 10 by The Athletic, Tonali - pardon the pun - is a tone-setting midfielder who demands those around him to play with an attacking mindset.

He is not the player for a more patient and structured team, but that is not how De Zerbi wants this Spurs team to play. He wants front-footed football, and Tonali can help make that happen.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to Sky Sports Italy.

Tonali has emerged as Spurs' top target, and Roberto De Zerbi is eager to bring his Italian compatriot to North London. The 26-year-old had been in high demand ahead of the summer, and Arsenal and Manchester United are known admirers.

Tottenham could make Tonali their statement signing after avoiding relegation on the final day of last season. De Zerbi wants to build a team capable of competing for a top-four finish, and there will likely be plenty of business conducted.

Sandro Tonali agrees to join Tottenham

Tonali's future has been in doubt ever since Newcastle failed to qualify for Europe. There had been a feeling that he'd prioritise a move to a Champions League club, but he is now ready to join the Lilywhites.

The report claims that Tonali has "said yes" to Tottenham, and the club continue to hold negotiations with Newcastle. Spurs have already failed with a £75million offer for the former AC Milan midfielder.

The North Londoners returned with the same proposal a second time, asking the Magpies to reconsider. This fell on deaf ears and the Tyneside outfit are holding out for £100million.

Tonali, described as a "superstar player" by Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson, has been at St James' Park since July 2023, when he arrived from Milan in a £55million deal. He's starred for Eddie Howe's side ever since and registered three goals and seven assists in 53 games across competitions last season.

The contract on offer to Tonali will reportedly see him earn £275,000 per week. He'd become their highest paid player, taking the club over the £200,000 benchmark.

Newcastle will make life difficult for Spurs

Tonali is clearly ready to make the switch to Tottenham and link up with De Zerbi as part of a new era for the Lilywhites. A potential return to Italy has never been feasible due to the financial implications of a deal.

Newcastle are facing yet another transfer saga involving one of their star players, following the drama last year. The Magpies were eager to keep Swedish striker Alexander Isak and rejected several offers from Liverpool.

Isak eventually took matters into his own hands, releasing a statement alleging that the club had agreed to let him leave. He refused to head to pre-season with Howe's side and eventually forced a move to Anfield in a British transfer record £125million deal.

Tottenham can't afford to be dragged into a similar situation as they pursue Tonali. The Italian is a dream signing, but spending much of the summer chasing his signature could cause a distraction as De Zerbi prepares his troops for a season of resurgence.

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as Roberto De Zerbi looks to add a third new midfielder to his squad this summer, according to TEAMtalk.

Tottenham have had an outstanding summer transfer window already, and it isn't even July yet.

ENIC have gone into overdrive and delivered four confirmed signings for De Zerbi already in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and Jan Paul van Hecke, with the former three arriving on free transfers.

Spurs are far from finished there though, with multiple additions expected across the midfield and attack ahead of next season.

There was surprise when it was announced that the north Londoners were working on an ambitious deal to bring Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Spurs still working to find an agreement on that deal.

Then it was confirmed that Spurs wanted West Ham United's Portugal international Mateus Fernandes, and that any potential transfer was seen as separate to the Tonali pursuit.

That may not be the end of their business in that position either, while new additions are expected all across the frontline as De Zerbi aims to transform a team that has underperformed for two years in the Premier League.

Tottenham Discuss Adam Wharton Move Internally

According to TEAMtalk, even though Tottenham are currently working simultaneously on deals to sign Tonali and Fernandes, there is a belief that they could actually look to sign three new players in the position in this window.

As well as the Italian and Portuguese stars, the report adds that Spurs have an interest in Palace star Wharton and have discussed internally about making a move for the England international, who missed out on a spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad at this summer's World Cup.

The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the most impressive players in his position in the Premier League in recent seasons, and he is also attracting interest from Liverpool, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.

Wharton Won't Come on the Cheap

Crystal Palace will be in no mood to sell Wharton on the cheap this summer, especially at a time when Manchester City have just paid well in excess of £100m to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

The Eagles will want Wharton in midfield for new manager Pierre Sage for their Europa League campaign, as they look to make a big impact on the competition having won the Europa Conference League last term.

Palace are said to want £100m to even consider a sale of the Englishman, who is on a long-term contract at Selhurst Park, and that would be a huge outlay for Tottenham, and only realistic should they fail to land one of Tonali or Fernandes.

Tottenham are also still in talks over a potential move to make Joao Palhinha's loan move from Bayern Munich permanent, and he could be the lower-cost third option should Spurs pull off a sensational double swoop to sign Tonali and Fernandes.

Roberto De Zerbi has already made a huge difference to Tottenham Hotspur on the pitch and now he is working his magic off the pitch in the summer transfer window.

The Italian arrived in north London at the end of March following a dreadful interim spell in charge of the club by Igor Tudor. The Lilywhites were in a perilous situation, staring down the barrel of a first relegation to the second tier in nearly 50 years.

But he turned the club's fortunes around and a 1-0 win over Everton on the final day of the season secured their Premier League status.

Four new signings have already arrived at Tottenham

And that has allowed them to delve into the transfer market and make changes to an ailing squad to give De Zerbi what he requires to push the club back towards the top of the table once more.

Four signings have already been made - three of them free transfers - with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and Jan Paul van Hecke all arriving in N17.

Spurs have had a £75million bid for Sandro Tonali knocked back by Newcastle and are in talks over an £85million move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

It's clear with De Zerbi at the helm and the Lewis family vowing to invest in the squad, a new approach has come to light at Spurs.

Tottenham securing either or even both of Fernandes and Tonali would see them break their transfer record, which stands at £65million paid to Bournemouth for Dominic Solanke two years ago.

Talk of breaking transfer records has barely happened in the white half of north London over the past decade and here we are speaking about it potentially happening not once, but twice.

And we haven't even got to rumours around striker signings yet, the closest we have come being wide forwards like Savinho and more recently Crysencio Summerville.

Spurs have changed their approach under their new head coach

What do all the names above linked with a move to Spurs have in common? They are readymade, Premier League-experienced players. It is a win-now approach from De Zerbi that the owners appear to be getting behind.

Under former chairman Daniel Levy, Spurs would often be slow and meticulous in the market, with Levy known as a tough negotiator, someone who would always eke out the very best deal for his club. That would often come at the detriment of the squad, with transfers left to the very last moment, or even too late to get done.

Ignoring the free transfers, Spurs splashed out £52million on van Hecke from Brighton and after two failed bids, got the deal done. They saw the player they wanted, they haggled over price for a short time, but relatively quickly signed their man. Spurs know what they want and are going after it. It is a refreshing approach.

Spurs have been stuck in what has felt like an endless loop of transition, building for the future. Under De Zerbi, the Lilywhites are building for the here and now. It is a new approach and it remains to be seen if it is successful, but the old Tottenham in the transfer market is dead.

Tottenham are one of the clubs considering a summer move for West Ham ace Crysencio Summerville, according to The Guardian.

The north London club have already completed four transfer deals for the 2026/27 season, and they show no sign of slowing down for head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka have all signed on the dotted line, with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes potential further additions as Spurs look to give De Zerbi all the tools he needs after surviving an almighty relegation scare last season.

Tottenham certainly require attacking reinforcements after a real lack of goals from their attacking players during the 2025/26 campaign saw them plunged into relegation trouble.

In the end, it was Summerville and West Ham who were relegated to the Championship on the final day, but the Dutchman looks on course to secure a move away from the Hammers ahead of the new term with clubs interested in his services.

Summerville will not want to play in the Championship after the World Cup

West Ham are certainly not going to be short on suitors for Summerville as they prepare for life in the Championship with many top stars expected to depart.

As well as interest from Tottenham, The Guardian report that Chelsea and Manchester United are also tracking the winger as they get their squads in place for the new season.

Interest in Summerville may only increase over the next couple of months after so far catching the eye for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.

The 24-year-old has netted in both of his country's opening two games against Japan and Sweden, with the player looking to continue his hot streak in the early hours of Friday morning in their final Group F clash against Tunisia.

In what was a disastrous season for West Ham, the left-winger netted seven goals in all competitions for the east London club, including the opening goal in their 2-1 win over Tottenham in January.

Will it be Summerville or Savinho for Spurs?

Another attacking player who has been mentioned in regards to a move to Tottenham this summer is Manchester City ace Savinho.

Unable to strike a deal for the Brazilian 12 months ago, a move could possibly materialise this summer with a fee of £60million mentioned.

Talk of Savinho swapping City for Spurs appears to have died down of late, with all the attention firmly focused on Tonali and Fernandes at present.

Just like Summerville, Savinho operates from the left-flank but the former Girona man is also comfortable playing from the right.

Summerville did fare better in terms of numbers during the 2025/26 campaign after contributing seven goals and five assists in 34 games compared to Savinho's four goals and three assists in 36 outings.

Tottenham have been incredibly active in the transfer market so far this summer but they do appear to have missed out on a target.

Following a serious relegation scare where they avoided dropping down to the Championship on the final day of the 2025/26 season, Roberto De Zerbi's team have sprung into action in the transfer market as they attempt to get back to competing towards the top of the Premier League once again.

Firstly securing the signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively, last week Tottenham signed centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £52million deal and experienced Premier League goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has since followed.

Tottenham aren't done just there, though, with midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes linked with big-money transfers to N17.

However, one midfielder who doesn't appear to be making the move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the new campaign is Aleksandar Stankovic.

Stankovic says no to Tottenham transfer

Stankovic looks set to stay at Inter Milan for the new season after starring for Club Brugge last term, contributing nine goals and five assists in 55 appearances.

The defensive midfielder, who is the son of former Inter ace Dejan Stankovic, departed the San Siro for Club Brugge on a permanent basis last July but the Nerazzurri maintained a buy-back clause in their agreement with the Belgian side.

At the beginning of June, Inter activated the clause and re-signed the 'exceptional' 20-year-old in a deal worth €23million (£19.85m).

According to Sky Sport Italy, the midfielder had two transfer proposals from Premier League clubs, one of which came from Tottenham.

However, Stankovic reportedly turned down Spurs and did likewise to Brentford in favour of returning to Inter Milan.

What next in Tottenham's midfield?

It looks set to be all change in midfield next season as De Zerbi really stamps his mark on his Tottenham team.

Adding to that area in the winter transfer market with the north London club bringing in Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid prior to the Italian taking on the hotseat, the 26-year-old could well be joined by Tonali and Fernandes if Tottenham get their way on the transfer front.

One current player who will be looking for a big season under De Zerbi is Rodrigo Bentancur after returning from injury and playing an instrumental role in midfield to help Tottenham drag themselves out of relegation danger after such a bleak run of form.

Bentancur's teammate Lucas Bergvall looks set to move on after only two years with the club, though, after asking to leave in his quest for more first-team football.

Yves Bissouma's Tottenham departure has already been confirmed with the Mali international set to exit at the conclusion of his contract later this month, with Joao Palhinha's loan move from Bayern Munich also coming to an end after his temporary switch from the Bundesliga champions.

Roberto De Zerbi could be about to receive another major Tottenham boost with Mateus Fernandes giving 'his full green light' for a transfer across the capital, according to TEAMtalk.

Fernandes has found himself in the headlines over the past few days with Spurs and Manchester United vying for his signature following West Ham's relegation to the Championship.

The 21-year-old only moved to the London Stadium from Southampton at the end of last August, but a transfer away looks set to come to fruition sooner rather than later after wowing in his debut season for the Hammers.

Amid talk of a switch to Old Trafford, Fernandes could now be instead swapping east London for north London with Tottenham going all out for the Portugal international.

Fernandes green light

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are accelerating their push for Fernandes and they are in advanced discussions with West Ham for the player's signature.

Sources have indicated to TEAMtalk that the player has given "his full green light to press forward" with a transfer after accepting their proposal on personal terms.

It is reported that Tottenham are prepared to offer substantially higher wages than Man United and that has only strengthened their position in the race for the 'elite' former Sporting CP man.

West Ham value Fernandes at around £85m and TEAMtalk understands that Spurs have submitted a package that reaches that amount with £65m up front and the rest in add-ons and bonuses.

Fernandes the "ultimate Premier League midfielder"

It is perhaps no surprise that Fernandes will be on the move so soon after his move to West Ham after previously excelling for Southampton prior to their relegation.

During his time at St Mary's, former Saints player Jo Tessem waxed lyrical to the BBC Radio Solent Southampton podcast about the Portuguese ace and stated that "he is becoming an ultimate Premier League midfielder".

"Mateus Fernandes is on people's radar because every week he plays his heart out, he is by far the best player on the football pitch from a Saints perspective," said the Norwegian.

"I said the same about Romeo Lavia," Tessem added.

"I didn't think he would stay for a season in the Championship and he didn't - leaving after a year - and he [Fernandes] is on a similar level, albeit a different type of player.

"He is becoming an ultimate Premier League midfielder and clubs are not going to let that go.

"He plays like a Premier League player. He passes like a Premier League player. He is quick like a Premier League player. He conducts himself so well in midfield."

Tottenham could be getting quite the player if they win the race for Fernandes' signature.

Tottenham Hotspur's next three transfer targets have been named by Football London correspondent Alasdair Gold, after the club completed their fourth summer signing with the addition of Martin Dubravka.

Tottenham chiefs are on it, and they need to be after narrowly avoiding a disastrous relegation to the Championship on the final day of last season.

Spurs brought in Roberto De Zerbi on a long-term contract, and they know they need to seriously back him in the transfer market to improve an underperforming squad, if he is to lead them back up the Premier League standings.

Dubravka was the third player to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a free transfer this summer after Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, and with Jan Paul van Hecke also joining and Pedro Porro signing a new long-term deal, the north London outfit's defence is shaping up nicely ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

De Zerbi wants more ambitious additions further forward to make a serious push next term, with at least two central midfielders and potentially up to three attackers wanted after the business they've already completed.

Midfield in particular appears to be the main priority in recent days, as Tottenham look to send out a statement to their top flight rivals.

Gold Names Next Three Tottenham Targets

The next part of Tottenham's squad overhaul will be in midfield, with Gold confirming that talks are ongoing over a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

The Football London journalist claims that any move for the Italian will set Spurs back around £100m, but the 26-year-old has emerged as the manager's key target for the position.

Tottenham are also keen on a move to sign Mateus Fernandes from London neighbours West Ham United, although they face stiff competition from Manchester United in the race for the wantaway Portugal international.

Finally, the north Londoners are still interested in bringing Savinho to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, having failed in their attempt to sign the Brazilian from Manchester City last summer.

Tottenham have made surprise contact with Chelsea over a deal to sign striker Liam Delap, as De Zerbi looks to add a new centre-forward to his squad ahead of next season.

It is said that a Stamford Bridge exit for the 23-year-old is now a possibility following a difficult debut season with the Blues following his move from Ipswich Town.

Delap only found the net twice across the 2025-26 campaign, although that hasn't stopped Spurs making an enquiry over his availability.

Chelsea are said to be looking for £40m to sell the player they signed for £30m 12 months ago, but the fee is putting off potential suitors.

Tottenham currently have Dominic Solanke and Richarlison as their main centre-forward options heading into next season, although the latter has long been linked with a move away from Spurs and could finally leave this summer.

Spurs must also decide what they do with the highly-rated Will Lankshear, who impressed on loan at Oxford United last term.

Tottenham have made contact over a move for a Chelsea star this summer, according to TeamTalk, as the club ramp up their efforts to land another player in a busy transfer window.

So far, the Lilywhites have been the busiest team in the Premier League, making four quickfire signings to begin Roberto De Zerbi's rebuild in style.

The defence and goalkeeping ranks have been reinforced heavily so far, meaning attention can quickly turn towards other areas of interest.

The midfield is one, as talks for Sandro Tonali ramp up, while reports claim that an agreement has been reached to sign Mateus Fernandes this summer.

Then there's the forward ranks. A winger or two could be on the cards, but so could a striker, who may offer something more up front.

Tottenham Explore Liam Delap Transfer

A striker signing could be on the cards this summer, as TeamTalk reports that Tottenham have made enquiries over a move for Liam Delap.

The 23-year-old only moved to Stamford Bridge last year, but struggled to make an impact as he scored just twice across all competitions for the Blues.

That was off the back of a successful Premier League campaign with Ipswich Town, where he was described as a "beast", but he appeared unable to tap into that side of him over the previous year.

A mixture of injuries, discipline, and poor form all played into Delap's struggles, and he is now facing the possibility of leaving Chelsea after a short stay with the club.

Tottenham are believed to be one of the teams in the mix, though no concrete move has been made yet, while other Premier League rivals muscle in on the conversation.

Newcastle and Everton are claimed to have interest in the forward, and could look to explore a potential deal in the coming weeks of the transfer market.

Chelsea are looking for a £40 million fee to let Delap leave, a transfer valuation that may put some suitors off after his £30 million move last year.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham will push on to complete a move, but they appear to be in the mix.

Could Tottenham Reboot Delap?

A move for Delap would be an interesting one for Tottenham, though it may not get many favourable glances from fans looking at the potential deal.

The struggles of Dominic Solanke and Richarlison suggests that a striker addition would be welcomed, but the Chelsea man may not be the most glamorous of arrivals.

At times he has struggled with the pace of the game for the Blues, particularly from the bench, and when he has imposed himself physically, it has often looked messy - see the challenge on Djed Spence for more proof of that.

However, during his season with Ipswich, there was clearly some potential there. If Spurs can grab Delap on a bargain transfer fee, then there is a chance to rediscover that ability and come out as winners.

But it remains to be seen whether that is a distinct possibility.