It never really goes quiet in the transfer market, does it? Just when you think things are settling down, Tottenham and Chelsea decide to remind everyone that London clubs love spending money more than just about anyone else in the game.
Spurs are apparently pushing hard to land Sandro Tonali, which is quite the statement of intent when you consider Newcastle won't exactly be falling over themselves to sell. Tonali had his well-documented issues last season but has come back looking sharp, and if Tottenham genuinely believe they can prise him away from St James' Park, they must be offering something pretty serious. Alongside that, they are also tracking Matheus Fernandes, which suggests Ange Postecoglou wants real competition and quality in the engine room. Spurs in midfield have been a bit like a restaurant with a lovely menu but the kitchen keeps letting everyone down, so the logic is there even if the execution remains to be seen.
They are also reportedly among the clubs keeping tabs on Crysencio Summerville, which tells you everything about how ambitious Spurs are trying to look this window. Whether they actually land all three is another matter entirely, because there is always a gap between the clubs Spurs are linked with and the clubs Spurs actually sign.
Over at Chelsea, Roberto De Zerbi has been handed serious funds and is already eyeing a move for Palestra, with his people seemingly keen to bring in someone who fits the high-energy, press-heavy system he wants to build at Stamford Bridge. De Zerbi is a genuinely good coach and Chelsea giving him proper backing could actually make them dangerous next season, which is slightly annoying to admit as a Manchester United fan. They are also looking at Como's Jacobo Ramón, which shows they are doing their homework on some less obvious names rather than just recycling the usual big-money targets.
Both clubs are clearly trying to build something meaningful this summer rather than just patching holes, and that alone makes the window worth watching closely. Let me know your thoughts.