Tottenham have joined Arsenal and Manchester United in the chase for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, with the Italy international now the most sought-after Premier League playmaker this summer. The 26-year-old, who has been on the radar of domestic rivals since the winter window, is the latest high-profile star at St James' Park facing an uncertain future after the club's chastening 2025-26 campaign.
Spurs have moved swiftly since the end of the season, signing Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively, while also pursuing Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. But the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi — the Italian manager who saved Tottenham from relegation and now wants to return them to the upper echelons of the Premier League — has brought Tonali to the top of their wishlist. De Zerbi is said to admire his compatriot, and landing the midfielder ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United would be a statement of intent.
“Tottenham join Arsenal and Man Utd in pursuit of Newcastle's Sandro Tonali as De Zerbi plots midfield rebuild”
Newcastle are vulnerable to losing key players after a disappointing campaign, and the departure of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for a package exceeding £70 million last month has set a benchmark. Any deal for Tonali would likely exceed that fee, according to reports in Italy on Monday night. The Magpies have already seen Gordon leave for the Nou Camp before heading to the World Cup, and speculation now surrounds Lewis Hall, Bruno Guimaraes and Tino Livramento, all of whom have been linked with moves away.
Tonali's agent initially played down talk of a transfer during the winter, but interest has intensified as Newcastle face a summer exodus. Whether the midfielder would fancy a move to Tottenham after their own difficult season remains to be seen, but De Zerbi's presence is seen as a significant draw. With Spurs rebuilding under the former Brighton boss, Tonali could be the marquee signing that signals their return to the top flight's elite.