Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to Sky Sports Italy.
Tonali has emerged as Spurs' top target, and Roberto De Zerbi is eager to bring his Italian compatriot to North London. The 26-year-old had been in high demand ahead of the summer, and Arsenal and Manchester United are known admirers.
Tottenham could make Tonali their statement signing after avoiding relegation on the final day of last season. De Zerbi wants to build a team capable of competing for a top-four finish, and there will likely be plenty of business conducted.
Sandro Tonali agrees to join Tottenham
Tonali's future has been in doubt ever since Newcastle failed to qualify for Europe. There had been a feeling that he'd prioritise a move to a Champions League club, but he is now ready to join the Lilywhites.
The report claims that Tonali has "said yes" to Tottenham, and the club continue to hold negotiations with Newcastle. Spurs have already failed with a £75million offer for the former AC Milan midfielder.
The North Londoners returned with the same proposal a second time, asking the Magpies to reconsider. This fell on deaf ears and the Tyneside outfit are holding out for £100million.
Tonali, described as a "superstar player" by Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson, has been at St James' Park since July 2023, when he arrived from Milan in a £55million deal. He's starred for Eddie Howe's side ever since and registered three goals and seven assists in 53 games across competitions last season.
The contract on offer to Tonali will reportedly see him earn £275,000 per week. He'd become their highest paid player, taking the club over the £200,000 benchmark.
Newcastle will make life difficult for Spurs
Tonali is clearly ready to make the switch to Tottenham and link up with De Zerbi as part of a new era for the Lilywhites. A potential return to Italy has never been feasible due to the financial implications of a deal.
Newcastle are facing yet another transfer saga involving one of their star players, following the drama last year. The Magpies were eager to keep Swedish striker Alexander Isak and rejected several offers from Liverpool.
Isak eventually took matters into his own hands, releasing a statement alleging that the club had agreed to let him leave. He refused to head to pre-season with Howe's side and eventually forced a move to Anfield in a British transfer record £125million deal.
Tottenham can't afford to be dragged into a similar situation as they pursue Tonali. The Italian is a dream signing, but spending much of the summer chasing his signature could cause a distraction as De Zerbi prepares his troops for a season of resurgence.