Tottenham Pursues Sandro Tonali as De Zerbi Drives Signing

Tottenham Hotspur are driving hard to land Sandro Tonali in what would be one of the most audacious midfield moves of the summer – and the Italian is ready to say yes.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have stormed into the race to sign the Newcastle United midfielder, with new head coach Roberto De Zerbi personally pushing the move and Tonali himself open to joining, even without the lure of European football.

Romano reported late on Monday that Tottenham are “very strong, very concrete, very determined” in their pursuit of Tonali, stressing that the key to their confidence is the player’s stance. Tonali, he says, is “keen on a move to Tottenham,” attracted by the project and the prospect of working under his compatriot De Zerbi after what was described as a “terrible season” for Spurs.

The 24-year-old is “ready to join Spurs,” Romano added, underlining that the London club’s interest is not speculative. They are going in with intent.

De Zerbi’s marquee demand

This is not just a recruitment department idea. This is De Zerbi’s signing.

Romano made it clear that Tonali is the midfielder De Zerbi wants to “step up the project” and send a clear signal about Tottenham’s ambition. Arsenal and Manchester City have both been in contact over the player for weeks, but Spurs are the club now “going all in” to turn admiration into a concrete deal.

The numbers are huge. Romano’s understanding is that a package worth around €100 million – roughly £85 million – could be required to prise Tonali away from St James’ Park. That is the kind of fee that turns a transfer into a statement.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has echoed the growing momentum around Tottenham’s push. He reports that Spurs have held “positive talks” with Tonali’s camp, with ownership group ENIC fully backing De Zerbi’s desire to secure a flagship arrival.

Tottenham, Ornstein writes, are prepared to “push hard for a statement signing,” with the move being driven by De Zerbi and supported at board level. While Arsenal and Manchester City remain interested in the Italy international, Spurs are described as “most advanced over a proposed deal.”

This is De Zerbi’s era being drawn in bold ink.

Newcastle dig in – but the player wants out

Newcastle, though, are not about to roll over.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey reports that the Magpies will only consider selling Tonali if they receive an offer in excess of £100 million. Sources indicate that Newcastle intend to make it as difficult as possible for Tottenham to get their man.

Tonali, described as “a superstar player” by Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson on talkSPORT back in February 2026, has made his position clear to the club: he wants to leave. His first choice, according to those close to the situation, would be a return to Italy.

AC Milan, his former club, are among the Serie A sides keen to bring him back. Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has also noted that Tonali would be willing to return to Serie A, and there is no shortage of interest there.

The problem is the price.

Jacobs posted that the overall cost of any deal – fee, wages, and associated expenses – makes a move to Italy highly unlikely at this stage. Premier League money is setting the terms, and Italian clubs are struggling to live in that financial space.

Spurs sense their moment

That is where Tottenham see their opening.

Jacobs confirmed that Spurs have opened talks with Tonali, describing the move as “driven by Roberto De Zerbi and backed by the ownership,” with the club hoping to make a “statement signing.” Significant funds are expected to be made available to strengthen both midfield and attack, and Tonali is clearly at the top of that list.

No formal bid has yet gone in to Newcastle, but #NUFC are “braced for offers.” Arsenal and Manchester City have both made enquiries this year, keeping the pressure on, yet it is Tottenham who are currently pushing hardest.

Newcastle’s position has been strengthened by the £70 million sale of Anthony Gordon, easing some of their financial concerns and allowing them to hold a firmer line on Tonali’s valuation. Even so, the club are fully aware that the midfielder is “exploring options” and that the situation could move quickly once a serious offer lands.

Tottenham now stand at a crossroads: pay well over £85 million and reshape their midfield around a De Zerbi favourite, or risk watching Tonali slip towards a domestic rival or a delayed return to Serie A.

For a club desperate to prove it can still punch at the very top of the market, the answer may define the early years of De Zerbi’s reign.