Tottenham’s summer business has already grabbed plenty of headlines, but their work in the transfer market is far from over.
Much of the attention in recent days has focused on Sandro Tonali, with growing belief that Spurs are prepared to go to great lengths to bring the Newcastle midfielder to north London.
Roberto De Zerbi is known to be a big fan of Tonali, having followed the Italian’s development for years since his time at Sassuolo (BBC).
Reports from Italy suggest the club’s interest appears to be genuine and ambitious, with Tottenham willing to spend as much as they can to make the deal happen.
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Fabrizio Romano broke the news earlier this week that Spurs had stormed into the race for the 26-year-old, despite competition from Arsenal, Man United and Man City.
Tonali is also firmly believed to be very keen on a move to the N17, mainly due to the De Zerbi factor, with both players hailing from the same Italian city.
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The Spurs’ momentum is not slowing down.
Alfredo Pedula even reported that the pair were already in direct talks about Tonali joining Tottenham, but De Zerbi’s side may have to pay up to £100m.
The former AC Milan star is also reported to be earning around £150,000 a week, potentially making this the most expensive move Spurs have ever made.
There’s more.
Tottenham could indeed sign several high-profile midfielders this summer, according to reports overnight from the likes of David Ornstein and Ben Jacobs.
In fact, West Ham star Matheus Fernandes is also thought to be on their radar, with Ornstein confirming the Portuguese is being targeted on a completely separate deal from Tonali.
Given that Fernandes is worth up to £85m, Spurs could end up spending close to £200m just to shore up their defensive midfield options.
If both of these moves come to fruition, it would be a huge statement in favor of De Zerbi.
But despite all the attention on Tonali and Fernandes, behind the scenes another midfielder has emerged as an equally important target.
Tottenham list Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as ‘priority’ target
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is considered a ‘preferred’ signing for Tottenham, according to FlashScore journalist Dean Jones.
Indeed, Jones’ report suggests that the England international is a player Spurs would “ideally” want to bring to the club if circumstances permit.
It’s an important claim given the current focus on Tonali and Fernandes, and it underlines how highly regarded Wharton is in the football world.
The former Blackburn Rovers midfielder has made remarkable progress since arriving at Selhurst Park.
What initially seemed like a smart signing quickly developed into one of the best additions in the Premier League.
Wharton’s maturity, technical quality and intelligence in possession established him as a key player for Palace, but he was extremely unlucky to miss out on Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad.
Despite his very young age, he already plays with the composure of a much more experienced midfielder.
Liverpool are also thought to be monitoring the situation closely, with Jones reportedly aiming to explore a deal with new manager Andoni Iraola.
That said, Palace have no intention of losing one of their most valuable players for cheap and will command around £100m in this hugely bloated midfield market.
For Tottenham, that creates an interesting dilemma.
The club are simultaneously looking to sign Tonali and Fernandes, while keeping a close eye on Wharton.
All three players will strengthen the team, but each has different strengths and similar financial challenges.
However, what is becoming increasingly clear is that Spurs want to make multiple key midfield additions before the deadline closes.
Arsenal backed by Sandro Tonali, Newcastle make clear Tottenham stance
Spurs have emerged as favorites in the race to sign the Italian.
