Sandro Tonali: Tottenham's Ambitious Pursuit Amid Newcastle's Resistance
Sandro Tonali has become the centrepiece of Tottenham Hotspur’s summer gamble, with the club prepared to test Newcastle United’s resolve and back Roberto De Zerbi with the kind of “statement” signing that changes the temperature of a dressing room.
The Italian midfielder, according to multiple leading reporters, is not just on Spurs’ list. He is the list.
De Zerbi’s man, Spurs’ statement
Fabrizio Romano revealed late on Monday that Tottenham are “going very strong” for Tonali, with De Zerbi personally driving the move. This is not a scouting department whim or an opportunistic enquiry. It is the new head coach identifying his standard-bearer.
Romano detailed that Spurs have entered the race “very strong, very concrete, very determined” and, crucially, that Tonali himself is “open to joining Tottenham” and “ready to join Spurs, even without European football, even after a terrible season for Tottenham Hotspur.”
That line matters. Tottenham finished a long way from where a player of Tonali’s pedigree usually sets his sights. Yet the 24-year-old is said to be “attracted by the project” and eager to work under De Zerbi, a coach whose footballing ideals align closely with Tonali’s deep-lying authority and tempo-setting game.
The interest is not cheap. Romano’s understanding is that a deal could require a package of around €100m – roughly £85m – to persuade Newcastle to even engage seriously. For a club that has historically chosen its moments in the market, that figure would push Spurs into a different financial bracket.
Arsenal, City circling – but Spurs push hardest
Tonali has not been short of admirers. Romano noted that Arsenal have “called for weeks” and Manchester City have also been in contact over a potential move, both clubs tracking one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders.
Yet the tone has shifted. Tottenham, he says, are now “going all in” for the Italy international, with De Zerbi viewing Tonali as the player to “step up the project and to show the ambition” of the club’s new era.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein backed up that picture, reporting that Spurs have held “positive talks” with Tonali’s camp. ENIC, the club’s ownership group, are understood to be firmly behind De Zerbi in this pursuit, willing to “push hard for a statement signing” driven by the head coach and endorsed at boardroom level.
Arsenal and City remain in the conversation, but Ornstein’s reporting is clear: “Spurs are most advanced over a proposed deal.”
This is Tottenham attempting to punch through the glass ceiling they’ve often hovered beneath – not just competing with the elite, but trying to beat them to a marquee name.
Newcastle dig in – and name their price
There is, however, a formidable obstacle. Newcastle United.
TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey reports that Newcastle will not make it easy for Spurs or anyone else. Sources have indicated that the Magpies will only consider a sale if an offer “over £100million” lands on the table.
Internally, Tonali’s status remains high. Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson described him as “a superstar player” on talkSPORT back in February 2026, and that valuation reflects both his ability and the club’s lack of urgency to cash in.
Yet the situation is not entirely in Newcastle’s control. Bailey’s information is that Tonali’s camp has informed the club he wants to leave. His preference, if he does move, would be a return to Italy, with former club AC Milan among those keen to bring him back to Serie A.
Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has also reported that Tonali would be willing to move back to Italy. The problem is the cost. Italian clubs, even the biggest, are struggling to match Premier League financial muscle at those numbers. A nine-figure package prices most of Serie A out of the race.
Jacobs underlined the dynamics on X, confirming that Spurs have opened talks with Tonali in a move “driven by Roberto De Zerbi and backed by the ownership,” with “significant funds to be made available to strengthen in midfield and attack.” No bid has yet gone in to Newcastle, but #NUFC are “braced for offers.”
Newcastle’s stance has been strengthened by the £70m sale of Anthony Gordon, giving them more room to manoeuvre under financial regulations and reducing any urgency to sell Tonali. At the same time, the club is “aware Tonali is exploring options,” a line that hints at tension beneath the public resolve.
A tug-of-war that defines a project
So the stage is set. On one side, a player who, according to several well-placed journalists, is open to joining Tottenham, intrigued by De Zerbi’s vision and willing to sacrifice European football for a central role in a rebuild. On the other, a selling club that will only be moved by an extraordinary offer and a preferred destination that currently struggles to afford him.
Arsenal and Manchester City wait in the wings, ready to pounce if the numbers shift or if Spurs hesitate. AC Milan and the rest of Serie A lurk with intent but limited firepower.
For Tottenham, this is about more than a midfielder. This is about sending a message – to their own squad, to rivals, and to a fanbase weary of near-misses and half-measures. You do not spend close to £100m on a player like Tonali unless you are prepared to live with the consequences, good or bad.
The negotiations will decide how far Spurs are truly willing to go. The choice Tonali makes, if the bids arrive, will say even more.
