Sandro Tonali has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer as Roberto De Zerbi looks to bolster his options in the middle of the park
Sandro Tonali put every Tottenham Hotspur midfielder to shame last season, so it should come as no surprise that Roberto De Zerbi wants him to spearhead the start of an exciting new era in north London.
As revealed by Chronicle Live, the Magpies have recently knocked back an £80m bid from Spurs for the 26-year-old midfielder, whose contract at St. James' Park expires in June 2028. The report claims Newcastle instantly rejected as they believe they can get about £100m for his signature.
It's said that the Tyneside outfit are open to selling Tonali, but at the right price. Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal are also reportedly interested in signing the Italy international, whose agent is exploring all options.
The Lilywhites clearly face strong competition in the battle to sign Tonali, so Johan Lange needs to do whatever it takes to secure his signature as soon as possible. The Italian would be an excellent addition to the Tottenham squad, bringing a perfect blend of immense quality, physical prowess, great experience and strong leadership.
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Whether he's breaking the lines, turning over possession or making late runs into the box, Tonali blows every other Spurs midfielder out of the water. He would be such a significant upgrade that the Lilywhites would suddenly have a horse in the race for qualification to the Champions League.
The Italian, who grew up in Brescia, just like De Zerbi, doesn't just pass the eye test either. The numbers only further prove exactly why Tonali can be the face of the new project at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
According to Squawka, using data provided by Opta, in the Premier League last season, Tonali completed more forward passes, created more chances, won more ground duels, and retrieved possession more than Conor Gallagher, Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Archie Gray. They each played well over 1000 minutes.
Although the Spurs target had far more time on the pitch, he steamrolled his potential new teammates in every department. And quite considerably too, as displayed in the graphic below.
Only Bentancur managed to win more duels and complete just as many take-ons, while Gallagher, who recently claimed the eight shirt, a number worn by Tonali, enjoyed more touches in the opposition box. Meanwhile, Lucas Bergvall was far safer in possession, but he played less than 1000 minutes in the Premier League last term, as displayed in the graphic below.
At the end of the day, Tottenham need to wrap up a deal before the likes of Arsenal, United or City flex their muscles. Lange needs to put his foot on the pedal and secure Tonali's signature before it's too late.
De Zerbi has seemingly hinted where Tonali will fit into his squad too, with Gallagher recently inheriting the No.8 shirt following the exit of Yves Bissouma. The England midfielder could be set for a more attacking role under De Zerbi, a role he played at the back end of last season, which would then allow Tonali to play in his more familiar holding role.
On paper, it is a midfield that would scare Premier League rivals. The Lilywhites will have no better opportunity to sign a player of this calibre again until they qualify for the Champions League...