Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali may not be granted his wish if he makes a move to Tottenham this summer
Sandro Tonali continues to be linked with a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur as Roberto De Zerbi looks to build a squad capable of competing for Europe rather than relegation in the Premier League next season.
De Zerbi ensured Spurs stayed in the English top flight last campaign and was clear in what he wants to happen over the summer when speaking after the final day win over Everton. "I'm looking forward to building a new team. I'm looking forward to calling these players, to speak with them and to introduce the new season and to speak with the new players we have to bring," the Italian said.
"We are lucky to stay here, and we have to compete in the best way we can. We have to organise the next season, we have to build a stronger team. Now we have to move on and to prepare the future of our club."
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Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have already been signed on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke joined from Brighton in a deal worth £52million. De Zerbi is now eyeing reinforcements further up the pitch, with the club in talks with Newcastle over a £100million move for Tonali.
The Lilywhites have already had a bid in the region of £80million rejected for the midfielder, but talks are ongoing and a second bid is expected. Tonali joined the Magpies from AC Milan in 2023 for around £55million plus add-ons and he has gone on to make more than 100 appearances for the club.
A box-to-box midfielder capable of playing as a No.6 and No.8, Tonali would really be an upgrade on Spurs' current options and would fit the style of play De Zerbi wants to implement. Sadly for the former Brescia man, though, he may not get his dream shirt number if he is to move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tonali has worn the No.8 shirt in the previous six seasons, both at AC Milan and Newcastle. He did wear No.4 for two seasons while at Brescia, but the fact he has a No.8 tattooed on the middle finger of his left hand tells you all you need to know about his favourite number.
But earlier this week Tottenham announced that Conor Gallagher will wear the No.8 on his back from the 2026/27 season, changing from the No.22 shirt he has worn since moving to the club in January. “It’s an honour to wear the number eight shirt,” Gallagher said.
“I’ve never actually worn it at club level in my career, so I’m excited – it’s always been my favourite number. Some of my favourite footballers growing up also wore eight, so I’m looking forward to pulling on the jersey for this fantastic club. I’m hoping for a big season and to make our fans proud.”
Yves Bissouma previously wore the No.8 shirt but now it belongs to Gallagher and not Tonali if he is to make the move. Currently, the numbers available are; 2, 5, 12, 16, 18, 22, 25, 26, 27, 32, 34, 35 and 36.
It remains to be seen if Tonali would prefer any of these numbers. He may go for 18 because it includes the number eight, while 26 may be an option because those numbers make number eight when added together.
Regardless, Tottenham still need to get a deal done and fans will be hoping an announcement comes sooner rather than later.