Tottenham Hotspur spent a combined £185 million on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in the summer, reinforcing their midfield department.

After a slow start to life in North London, Tonali and Fernandes have started building a strong partnership in the middle of the park. The duo were crucial in Tottenham’s three-game winning run, but Roberto De Zerbi’s decision to disrupt their pairing against Leeds United backfired. It was one of the factors behind Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to Leeds United, with De Zerbi’s men failing to find any kind of control and authority in central midfield without Tonali and Fernandes in the double pivot.

Despite spending big on Tonali and Fernandes, it looks like the Lilywhites are planning further reinforcements in midfield.

Tottenham interested in French midfielder

According to a report from Italian outlet Calciomercato, Tottenham and Juventus are interested in signing Sevilla midfielder Youssouf Fofana, who is on loan from AC Milan. Spurs have made initial contact with AC Milan to explore the possibility of his signing at the end of the current season.

So far this season, Youssouf Fofana has registered four goal contributions for Sevilla, scoring once and assisting three times in eight appearances. The central midfielder is trying to rebuild his stock after an underwhelming spell at AC Milan, and the club is prepared to consider a permanent departure.

Once he returns from his loan spell with Sevilla, the French international will have just a year left on his AC Milan contract, leaving the summer of 2027 as the Serie A club’s last opportunity to cash in on him. The report adds that Tottenham and Juventus are very much alert to the situation, but a move is likely to happen next summer, when his loan with Sevilla expires.

Fofana would improve Tottenham’s midfield depth

Fofana is an energetic, tenacious and tough-tackling midfielder who can operate in multiple roles. The Frenchman is technically strong, a good reader of the game and physical, qualities that could improve the Tottenham squad.

At 27, the ex-AS Monaco star is at the peak of his powers, and with the Rossoneri valuing him at around €15m, Tottenham must try to beat Juventus to his signature. Fofana could be a good option to replace Rodrigo Bentancur, who will turn 30 in June, whilst being Tonali’s back-up.