Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their summer recruitment drive by pushing to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United and Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United.
Spurs target midfield reinforcements
Manager Roberto De Zerbi has been handed significant funds and is targeting two major midfield additions. Tottenham are pressing ahead with their pursuit of Tonali despite Newcastle demanding a substantial fee for the Italy international.
The north London club have also entered the race to sign Fernandes, who joined West Ham from Southampton for £38 million last summer. The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder impressed during his debut season, but West Ham need to raise funds following their relegation from the Premier League.
Manchester United and Real Madrid are also interested in Fernandes. However, Tottenham are prepared to outbid United financially to secure the player’s signature. Spurs are additionally considering a move for West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, who has scored twice for the Netherlands at the World Cup. Chelsea and Manchester United are also tracking the winger.
Chelsea monitor defensive options
Chelsea are weighing up moves for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra and centre-backs Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace and Jacobo Ramón of Como. The Blues face competition from Inter for Palestra, with the Serie A champions pushing to complete a £38.8 million deal for the 21-year-old Italian international.
The potential arrivals come as manager Xabi Alonso assesses his defensive options following Marc Cucurella’s completed transfer to Real Madrid. Alonso’s current right-back options are Reece James and Malo Gusto, though the latter could be moved on. The club may sign two centre-backs depending on outgoings, with uncertainty surrounding Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana.
West Ham face exodus
West Ham are braced for significant departures after dropping into the Championship. Aside from Fernandes and Summerville, captain Jarrod Bowen has attracted interest from Aston Villa, Chelsea and Everton. The club are desperate to retain their skipper despite their need to generate funds.