Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the biggest signing in the club’s history after receiving permission to put Mateus Fernandes through a medical following an agreement with West Ham United.
The north London club have agreed an £85 million deal for the Portugal international, beating Manchester United in the race for one of the Premier League’s most sought-after young midfielders. Personal terms are not expected to present any issues, with the transfer now entering its final stages.
Fernandes is set to become Roberto De Zerbi’s latest arrival after Tottenham strengthened their squad with the signings of Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi earlier in the transfer window.
Manchester United remained in negotiations for Fernandes until the final stages, but Spurs ultimately secured the deal by matching West Ham’s demand for a guaranteed £85 million payment. United’s proposal included performance-related add-ons rather than the fixed fee preferred by the Hammers, allowing Tottenham to pull ahead.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the midfielder has been given the green light to undergo his medical after both clubs finalised the agreement, leaving only the formal completion of the transfer.
However, Tottenham’s record-breaking investment may not stand for long.
The club remain in active discussions over a sensational move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, who has emerged as De Zerbi’s leading target to complete a major midfield overhaul.
Reports suggest Tottenham have already had an opening offer rejected and are preparing an improved proposal that could reach Newcastle’s reported £100 million valuation. Personal terms are also believed to be progressing, with a long-term contract under discussion should the clubs reach an agreement.
Manchester City continue to be linked with Tonali, meaning Tottenham could yet face competition before any deal is completed. Even so, Spurs are understood to remain optimistic that De Zerbi’s influence and the club’s ambitious summer project will strengthen their chances of landing the Italy international.
After two disappointing Premier League campaigns, Tottenham’s owners have backed De Zerbi with significant transfer funds in an effort to transform the squad. Completing the signings of Fernandes and Tonali would represent one of the most ambitious recruitment drives in the club’s recent history.
With Fernandes expected to complete his medical imminently, attention could soon switch to whether Spurs can complete another blockbuster deal and break their own transfer record for a second time in the same window.
