Last Word on Football brings you the latest Tottenham transfer news and rumours, and Spurs are set to continue their aggressive summer transfer activity as Roberto De Zerbi oversees a major squad rebuild ahead of the 2026/27 season, with John Percy reporting that Spurs are prepared to break their transfer record in pursuit of a marquee central midfielder.
Percy states that Tottenham are willing to make up to three further signings on top of the four arrivals already completed this window, as the club looks to move away from consecutive 17th-place Premier League finishes.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, and Manchester City winger Savinho are among the key targets, although all would require significant investment to complete.
Read more: Why Tottenham Hotspur Need Attacking Reinforcements This Summer
Tottenham Transfer News: Spurs’ Transfer Plans Taking Shape
Spurs Prepare for More Major Signings
Tottenham have already been highly active in the market, bringing in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka to strengthen key areas of the squad.
Despite that early activity, Percy reports that a central midfielder remains the top priority for De Zerbi, who is looking to improve the technical quality in the middle of the pitch.
Spurs are reportedly willing to break their current transfer record of £65 million, paid for Dominic Solanke in 2024, in order to land the right player.
Tonali and Fernandes are identified as the leading midfield targets, with Spurs already having seen an offer of around £80 million for Tonali rejected by Newcastle United. Negotiations are ongoing, although competition from Manchester City and Arsenal is expected to make the deal challenging.
Tottenham are also exploring wide attacking options, with Savinho among the names admired by the club, although no attacking signing has yet been completed.
Shift in Tottenham’s Recruitment Strategy
Percy’s report highlights a noticeable shift in Tottenham’s transfer strategy this summer.
In recent windows, Spurs have focused heavily on younger development profiles such as Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Luka Vušković, Mathys Tel, and Wilson Odobert. However, the current approach is now more focused on players capable of making an immediate impact.
All four of Tottenham’s summer signings so far have extensive top-flight experience, reflecting a move towards proven Premier League-ready players rather than long-term projects involving younger players.
Tonali, Fernandes, and Savinho all fit that revised profile, with experience in England’s top flight, giving Spurs greater confidence in their readiness to contribute immediately.
The report also suggests Tottenham are determined to act more decisively in the transfer market, avoiding drawn-out negotiations that have previously cost them key targets, including the well-documented Morgan Gibbs-White saga from summer 2025.
Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange have both faced heavy criticism from supporters, but the club hierarchy is now firmly backing De Zerbi with a more proactive recruitment approach.
Tottenham Transfer News: Squad Changes Expected Across the Summer
While arrivals remain the priority, Tottenham are also expected to oversee significant squad turnover.
Yves Bissouma and Alejo Véliz have already departed the club, while João Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani have returned to their parent clubs following the expiration of their loan spells.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Luka Vušković is attracting interest from Brighton & Hove Albion, although Tottenham have already rejected multiple bids for the defender.
Bergvall has also been linked with a potential exit after David Ornstein reported the Swedish midfielder informed the club he wished to leave. However, Percy states Tottenham have no intention of sanctioning a sale, with both De Zerbi and Lange having held talks to reassure him over his long-term role.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is also expected to leave the club, with a return to Italy viewed as the most likely outcome after three seasons in north London.
Uncertainty also remains around several younger squad members returning from loan spells, with pre-season expected to be crucial in determining their futures as they hope to impress De Zerbi.
Read more: Five Tottenham Hotspur Youngsters Looking to Impress Roberto De Zerbi This Pre-Season
A Defining Window for Spurs
Following two consecutive seasons battling relegation rather than competing near the top of the Premier League, this summer’s recruitment drive could define the early years of De Zerbi’s project.
Early defensive additions have already strengthened the squad, but attention is now firmly on midfield and attacking reinforcements.
If Tottenham are able to complete deals for players such as Tonali, Fernandes, or Savinho, it would represent one of the clearest statements of intent from the club in recent years.
More importantly, it would showcase a shift in how Tottenham operates in the transfer market, moving towards quicker, more decisive recruitment aimed at immediate Premier League impact.
Read more: What Mateus Fernandes Could Bring to Tottenham
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Every Second Media
