Tottenham Hotspur are planning an ambitious rebuild of their midfield this summer, with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes identified as the two players Roberto De Zerbi wants to build his new-look side around.
Spurs are prepared to break their transfer record twice in an attempt to sign the pair, underlining the scale of the club's ambitions after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.
According to reports, De Zerbi views both midfielders as ideal fits for his possession-based system and wants them together in his preferred starting XI when the 2026/27 Premier League campaign begins.
De Zerbi wants a new-look midfield
After arriving during Tottenham's relegation battle, De Zerbi's immediate focus was survival. With Premier League safety secured, attention has now shifted towards implementing his tactical philosophy.
Central midfield has been identified as the priority area for improvement after Spurs struggled to control possession and dictate matches throughout last season.
Tonali and Fernandes possess the technical qualities De Zerbi values most, particularly their ability to receive possession under pressure and progress the ball through midfield.
Fernandes enjoyed an impressive individual campaign despite West Ham United's relegation, standing out as one of the Premier League's most press-resistant midfielders.
The Portugal international also impressed defensively, winning 67 tackles during the league season—more than double the total of his closest West Ham teammate, Kyle Walker-Peters.
How Tonali and Fernandes could play together
Rather than competing for the same position, the pair are expected to complement one another.
De Zerbi is likely to deploy Tottenham in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Tonali operating as the deeper playmaker alongside either Fernandes or Rodrigo Bentancur.
Fernandes would provide energy, ball-winning ability and progressive passing, while Tonali would dictate the tempo before driving forward to support attacks whenever opportunities arise.
| Potential Midfield Roles | Player |
|---|---|
| Deep-lying playmaker | Sandro Tonali |
| Box-to-box midfielder | Mateus Fernandes |
| Rotation option | Rodrigo Bentancur |
| Preferred formation | 4-2-3-1 |
Source: Tactical analysis – 26 June 2026
Tonali’s ability to break forward from midfield is viewed as one of his biggest strengths. His goal during Newcastle United’s victory over Southampton in January 2025 highlighted the timing of his runs, athleticism and willingness to contribute in the final third—qualities De Zerbi is believed to admire.
Tottenham face challenges to complete both deals
Neither transfer will be straightforward.
Newcastle United have reportedly rejected Tottenham's initial attempts to sign Tonali and remain reluctant to lose one of their key midfielders.
Meanwhile, Fernandes has attracted interest from Manchester United, although reports suggest Tottenham currently hold an advantage thanks to a more attractive financial package.
Key Points
- Tottenham want to sign both Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
- Roberto De Zerbi sees the pair as central to his tactical plans.
- Tonali would likely operate alongside Fernandes in a 4-2-3-1 system.
- Newcastle remain reluctant to sell Tonali.
- Tottenham are reportedly ahead of Manchester United in the race for Fernandes.
What's next?
Tottenham are expected to continue negotiations for both Tonali and Fernandes over the coming weeks as De Zerbi pushes to reshape his midfield before pre-season. Whether Spurs can convince Newcastle to sell Tonali may ultimately determine whether the club completes one of the most ambitious midfield rebuilds of the summer.
Would Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes transform Tottenham's midfield into one of the Premier League's strongest next season?
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