If you had said at the start of last season that Manchester City's summer transfer window would be impacted greatly by the actions of a club who survived relegation on the last day of the campaign, we all would have laughed. But little more than a month since Tottenham Hotspur survived the drop, this is where we find ourselves.
Spurs' Ambitious Plans
Considering the disaster that was the 2025/26 season for Spurs, it is unsurprising to see them go all out to back Roberto De Zerbi in the transfer window. Their targets to transform their fortunes though have a huge impact on the Blues.
To start with is Sandro Tonali. He is one of the names who has been linked with City. But with Anderson still the top target, Spurs' interest in Tonali has a greater impact on another City deal. Were Newcastle to receive their preferred £100m for Tonali, they would then have sufficient funds to come to City with an offer for James Trafford.
Financial Muscle
"The Lewis family, who own Spurs, have made it clear publicly that they will back the club to kick on this summer after a couple of dreadful Premier League seasons," Football.london and Daily Mirror's Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold told MEN Sport. "The club are expected to make a statement signing or two and getting up to that £100m mark certainly makes a statement. Tottenham will also sell players this summer so the money will certainly be there for them to push up to Newcastle's asking price if they choose to."
"What will be key is the competition up against Spurs. The north London club can provide a strong financial package for Tonali with a newly-increased wage structure, but they cannot offer him the Champions League football that others can."
Impact on Savinho
A lack of Champions League football has been the difference between transfers being done and not in the past. And while Tonali joining Tottenham would open the Blues up to an offer from Newcastle for Trafford, it could also end their pursuit of Savinho. The Brazil international has struggled to keep his cards close to his chest on a potential transfer. Social media activity from both him and his team have shown he is open to a Spurs deal.
City may also be open to selling too, considering the winger has struggled to establish himself at the Etihad Stadium. While much is made of the Blues' riches, they are not in the business of hoarding players for the sake of it. But were £100m to be spent on Tonali, that could end their interest in Savinho. But Gold is not so sure.
Spurs' Transfer Strategy
"It feels like Spurs have been trying to sort out the defence and central midfield first but Savinho has been a long-time target for the club and De Zerbi is said to also like the player," he said. "Ultimately it will be how realistic the price City set is compared to other wingers on the market and also maybe what [Enzo] Maresca wants to do with the Brazilian."
"It seems to be the case that they can push for more deals if successful [for Tonali]. We're expecting an injection of capital from the Lewis family into the club in the near future and Tottenham's huge revenue stream from the stadium, their previously strict wage spending and the lack of European spending cap this season means they have more wiggle room than most."
"That's not to say they have unlimited head room because the club have made losses for a number of years now but their debt is carefully managed in very low interest, long-term accounts." As mentioned, sales can also help Spurs to fast track a move for Savinho and Tonali but that is expected to be a slow process.
Potential Sales and Waiting Game
Gold believes Cristian Romero, Luka Vuskovic and Lucas Bergvall are Tottenham's biggest value potential sales this summer but all three are currently at the World Cup. As City have seen with Anderson, transfer business takes a long time to complete when players are with their nations.
"Richarlison, Guglielmo Vicario and Radu Dragusin have also been tipped to depart this summer so they may be the ones they move out the door first, but the club won't get as much money for them," Gold added.
City now find themselves in a waiting game to see what Spurs do next. If they complete deals for Tonali and Savinho, the Blues know they have a lot to sort between now and deadline day.
