London Evening Standard

Sandro Tonali has explained why he has decided to join Tottenham ahead of flying to London to finalise his £100million move from Newcastle.

Standard Sport understands that Tonali is expected to undergo a medical later on Thursday before putting pen to paper on a six-year contract to become Spurs’ club-record signing, and their sixth arrival of a busy summer transfer window.

The Italy international will join Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka in joining Roberto De Zerbi’s revoluation at Spurs, bringing to an end his three-year stay at Newcastle.

Speaking to Italian media as he departed Milan airport on Thursday morning, Tonali said he had joined Spurs to take on a new challenge as the north London club look to rebuild under De Zerbi.

"We decided to make a change, so we are ready for this new adventure,” Tonali said.

He added: “Newcastle wanted the best for me, and I wanted the best deal for Newcastle. So we are all happy, and I am ready for this new challenge.”

Asked why he has picked Tottenham amid reported interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, Tonali said: "Let's say that Roberto De Zerbi did a great job, had a big impact in all this.

"It is a life choice for my family, because we come from three years at Newcastle, and our lives change with our child's birth. So we decided to change a bit.

"De Zerbi made a great difference. He did his job, and he did it very well."

Asked if he would be interested in a return to Serie A in the future, Tonali said: “It's always been very difficult; there's never been an opportunity, even though we've talked about it.

“We joke about [joining AC Milan] all the time, but if the opportunity arises, maybe one day we'll talk about it seriously."

De Zerbi is thought to have been a key influence in convincing Tonali to join, and the Spurs boss has played an important role in helping the club attract top talent despite successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.

Fernandes, who is expected to partner Tonali at the base of Spurs’ midfield next season, revealed De Zerbi was a key reason behind him joining the club after his £85m arrival was announced on Thursday morning.

With Spurs expected to remain active in the transfer market as they eye up a move for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, De Zerbi’s influence will continue to prove important.

The new signing said: "I'm very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.

"When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way - going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game.

“I can't wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club."

Fernandes leaves West Ham just a year on from joining from Southampton in a deal worth £38m.

He made 36 appearances for the Hammers last season, but could not prevent the club from being relegated.

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi, said: "I've admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.

"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.

“Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.

“I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I'm excited to start working with him."

Spurs are preparing to break their transfer record for the second time in as many days, with Sandro Tonali due at the club’s training ground on Thursday to finalise his £92.5m move from Newcastle.

Fernandes is the latest player to credit De Zerbi’s influence as being pivotal to why he joined Spurs, with the 21-year-old becoming the club’s fifth signing of the summer.

Spurs have been aggressive in the summer transfer window, and are also set to complete a deal worth up to £100m for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.

De Zerbi has been at the centre of these plans and has played a huge role in convincing the likes of Fernandes and Tonali to join Spurs despite successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.

"I'm very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club, and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join,” Fernandes said.

"When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way - going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can't wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club."

On Fernandes, De Zerbi praised his ability to perform under pressure and his Premier League experience, which has been a consistent theme of Spurs’ recruitment this summer.

"I've admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play,” De Zerbi added.

"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.

Fernandes said: "I'm very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.

"When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way - going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game.

“I can't wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club."

Fernandes leaves West Ham just a year on from joining from Southampton in a deal worth £38m.

He made 36 appearances for the Hammers last season, but could not prevent the club from being relegated.

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi, said: "I've admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.

"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.

“Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.

“I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I'm excited to start working with him."

Spurs are preparing to break their transfer record for the second time in as many days, with Sandro Tonali due at the club’s training ground on Thursday to finalise his £92.5m move from Newcastle.

Sandro Tonali is flying in to undergo a medical with Tottenham as his new club plot further summer signings.

Spurs on Wednesday agreed another club-record-smashing transfer fee, with Tonali set to arrive from Newcastle in a deal worth up to £100million.

The Italian is flying to London from Milan today, and expected at Hotspur Way on Thursday afternoon.

Just 24 hours earlier, Spurs agreed a £85m fee with West Ham for Mateus Fernandes. The Portugal midfielder has since passed his medical.

It is an unprecedented transfer window for Spurs, who are also set to sell Luka Vuskovic to Brighton for £50m.

There are expected to be further outgoings at Spurs, given the influx of new faces, but claims of a bid for Archie Gray have been strenuously denied.

Tonali and Fernandes have both agreed terms on six-year contracts with Spurs ahead of their arrivals for a combined £185m.

The pair will become Roberto De Zerbi’s fifth and sixth summer signings, all wrapped up with just a little over two weeks of the transfer window having been played out.

But Spurs are not expected to send their spending spree just yet.

Standard Sport understands that interest remains in Manchester City winger Savinho, who Spurs tried and failed to sign last summer.

Savinho is expected to be available for less than the £70m asking price of 12 months ago,

Sport | Football

Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal get Barcola boost; Man Utd want Tchouameni; Chelsea done deal; Tonali medical

All the latest news, rumours and gossip during the summer window

Transfer targets: Sandro Tonali, Bradley Barcola; Alex Scott

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Alex Young, Senior Sport Editor @ alexwsyoung

Transfer news LIVE!

The World Cup is not getting in the way of the summer window hitting remarkable heights as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool work on strengthening their squads with new signings. The Gunners are said to be exploring a deal for Bradley Barcola, despite Paris Saint-Germain being reluctant to sell. Morgan Rogers is a priority signing, and Bruno Guimaraes has been sounded out - and potentially had his head turned.

Tottenham have managed to prise a Newcastle midfielder away with Sandro Tonali joining in a deal worth £100million. Spurs have smashed their transfer record two times in as many days after agreeing a £85m deal for Mateus Fernandes. Eli Junior Kroupi and Savinho could be next. Man Utd have missed out on both Fernandes and Tonali, and are now said to be interested in Alex Scott, Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni.

Chelsea remain keen to sign Granit Xhaka from Sunderland despite an opening £8m bid being rejected. The Blues are also negotiating for Maxence Lacroix and are close to completing a deal for Marco Palestra and Pep Chavarria. Man City are tracking Ayyoub Bouaddi and Eduardo Camavinga. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!

Latest transfer news and rumours

Glasner to take over at Nottingham Forest after Pereira sacked

Vitor Pereira said he was taken by “complete surprise and without any warning” after confirming he had been sacked as head coach of Nottingham Forest.

Oliver Glasner is expected to be appointed, in a shock move after leaving Crystal Palace.

Pereira signed an 18-month contract at the City Ground in February and guided Forest to Premier League survival and the Europa League semi-final.

There was a break clause in his contract for June, and it is understood Forest informed the Portuguese boss they wanted to go in a different direction two minutes before that clause expired.

Pereira said in a statement: “Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of Nottingham Forest.

“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club.

“Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.

“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.

PA

Barcelona weigh up world-record Saliba bid

Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for Arsenal defender William Saliba.

The French centre-back has emerged as one of the club's top defensive targets, according to according to Ekrem Konur.

However, the deal is expected to be extremely tough to pull off, and will likely take a word-record fee for a defender.

The report claims Arsenal would only consider selling if they receive an offer in the region of £130million.

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Man Utd explore 'dream signing' as new transfer shortlist revealed

Manchester United have reportedly lined up five alternative targets, including Alex Scott, after losing out on Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham.

Michael Carrick and INEOS have moved on quickly from the West Ham man, and are said to be turning attentions to Bournemouth’s Scott, Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund and France star Aurelien Tchouameni.

Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Fulham’s Sander Berge are also on the Red Devil’s radar as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of their return to Champions League football.

Scott is high on United’s list, according to Ben Jacobs, but the Cherries are extremely reluctant to sell as they look to instead extend the midfielder’s contract, which currently runs until 2028. They are said value Scott at around £80m.

Man Utd also retain interest in Baleba and Berge, while Sandro Tonali is appreciated but is in advanced talks over a move to Spurs.

Read more here!

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PSG relax Barcola transfer stance amid Arsenal interest

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly relaxed their transfer stance on Bradley Barcola, amid reports Arsenal have scouted the France star at the World Cup.

The Gunners are said to have made Barcola a summer target as they look to sign a left winger, with Morgan Rogers and Christos Tzolis also high up Mikel Arteta’ wishlist.

Having initially ruled out any sale of Barcola, it is now being reported that the French giants could be tempted into selling for the right price.

The Athletic report that Barcola appears reluctant to sign a new deal as he looks to start more games next season.

But fresh reports now suggest that figures in excess of the £116m Manchester City paid for Elliot Anderson may be considered.

It comes following report by BBC Sport that Arsenal have received encouragement that a deal could be possible.

The same report adds that the Gunners planned to scout Barcola during France’s 3-0 win over Sweden, in which the winger scored Les Blues’ second goal.

Read more here!

London Standard

Tonali flying in for Spurs medical

More on last night’s big breaking news regarding Sandro Tonali and Tottenham.

BBC Sport report that Tonali will fly to London from Milan today to undergo a medical with Spurs and finalise his £100million move from Newcastle.

Mateus Fernandes is said to have completed his medical on Wednesday.

Official confirmation of the two deals should be imminent.

PA

Tonali set to undergo Tottenham medical

Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali for a club-record £100million fee.

Standard Sport understands that the Italian international is set to sign a long-term contract to join Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

It is understood that Tottenham will pay £92.5m up front plus a further £7.5m in potential add-ons based around multiple Champions League qualifications, taking the deal to £100m if all bonuses are met.

London Standard

New Chelsea signing speaks

Marco Palestra has revealed his excitement to play under “one of the best managers in the world” as his signing was announced by Chelsea.

Standard Sport understands the versatile right-back has joined the Blues from Atalanta for a package that comes to £47million.

Palestra is contracted to 2033 and Chelsea see him as a signing who can go straight into Xabi Alonso’s starting lineup if needed.

Inter Milan were favourites to sign the 21-year-old until Chelsea joined the race and hijacked the deal last week by offering a package, and wages, that Inter could not match. His salary will include bonus incentives.

Chelsea appreciate Palestra’s ability to play right wing-back, right-back and to deputise on the left flank when needed.

Read more here!

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DEAL AGREED

Tottenham have accepted an offer from Brighton for highly-rated defender Luka Vuskovic.

Standard Sport understands the deal is worth an overall package of £50million, which works out to be £46m up front and £4m in very achievable add-ons.

Furthermore, Spurs have agreed to a 20% sell-on clause as well as matching rights.

Read more here!

PA

Rashford Man United career not over

Marcus Rashford could be reintegrated into Michael Carrick’s first-team plans, Teamtalk report.

The England forward, 28, was keen on departing Old Trafford this summer, but their £40m price tag may see him remain at his boyhood club.

Rashford was on loan at Barcelona last season, where he scored 14 goals and assisted 14 goals.

But Barca’s £69m signing of Anthony Gordon saw them curtail any plans to bid for Rashford.

Rumours of Spurs wanting the Man United man have also been swirling around in recent days, amid their early-window transfer spree.

But if none of these materialise, United are figuring out ways he can contribute to the first-team next season.

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken about his club’s interest in Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez for the first time.

The Camp Nou side were rumoured to be Alvarez’s preferred destination amid enquiries from Arsenal and Real Madrid, but Laporta has confirmed Barca made a bid for the Argentina forward.

Laporta said: “We’ve spoken with Atlético de Madrid and Deco (Barcelona sporting director) sent an offer. We know the player has wanted to come since before playing for Manchester City.

”I spoke with Gil Marin (Atletico’s CEO), who told me that in principle they did not plan to sell. The offer is firm and we will maintain it. We will not be at the expense of what Atlético de Madrid says.

“We have a great relationship with Atleti. The offer will remain in force and could be made, but it is not unlimited in time. Atlético says that they do not sell because they had no alternative; now if they have an alternative, we will see.”

Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City for £81.5 in 2024. His current contract expires in 2030.

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Tottenham finally acting like a big club with Mateus Fernandes deal as Roberto De Zerbi factor irresistible

Outmuscling Manchester United financially is a real sign of the times as Lewis Family stick to their word

Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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When the Lewis Family released a statement at the end of May saying they would invest in Tottenham’s playing squad, they also noted that actions speak louder than words.

At the time, that statement was met with skepticism by Spurs supporters after years of poor recruitment and successive 17th-place finishes.

However, as they close in on their fifth signing of a busy summer transfer window, with Mateus Fernandes set to undergo a medical ahead of a club-record £85million move, there can be no denying that Spurs’ owners have been true to their word.

LIVE BLOG: All the latest transfer news and rumours

Fernandes will join £52m man Jan Paul van Hecke, as well as free signings Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, as part of Roberto De Zerbi’s rebuild, and it seems Spurs are not intent on stopping there.

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali remains of interest to Spurs despite the imminent arrival of Fernandes, and the north London club appear comfortable with breaking their record transfer again to sign the 26-year-old.

Any deal for Tonali will likely take a fee in excess of £90m to complete, but De Zerbi wants Tonali and Fernandes to form the basis of his midfield revamp.

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Spurs’ interest in longstanding target, and Manchester City winger, Savinho suggests they also want to make additions in attack, and their spending is likely to climb beyond £200m this summer.

Titles are not won in the transfer window, as Liverpool can attest to last season, and De Zerbi’s ability to bed in so many new additions will be pivotal to whether Spurs are successful next term.

But the Lewis Family have at least shown vision and ambition as they attempt to learn from the mistakes of last season.

Beating Manchester United to the signature of Fernandes marks a change from last summer, when Spurs missed out on deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze.

While credit must also be given to the pace at which Spurs are getting deals over the line in a World Cup summer.

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal make Barcola move; two new Man Utd targets

Man Utd explore 'dream signing' as new transfer shortlist revealed

PSG relax Barcola transfer stance after 'Arsenal scouting mission'

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They have identified problem areas, though many were staring them in the face, and addressed them quickly to ensure players have plenty of time to adapt to what De Zerbi wants.

Roberto De Zerbi has been reunited with Jan Paul van Hecke

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Spurs took until July 10 to seal their first major signing of last summer, when they announced the arrival of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham.

They then failed to bring in another permanent signing until August 29, when they belatedly secured a deal for Xavi Simons after missing out on Gibbs-White and Eze.

Spurs’ business so far this summer has been more aggressive, more considered and more ambitious.

There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the Premier League’s biggest teams right now, with Liverpool, Chelsea and City all appointing new managers, and this presents an opportunity for Spurs.

Despite last season’s debacle, Spurs are not under any major financial constraints and can match players’ wage demands while boasting one of the most revered managers in the division.

De Zerbi is a big pull for Spurs, and the fact that he has so consistently spoken with belief about what the club can achieve makes his vision an easy sell to potential targets.

After securing Premier League survival on the final day last season, De Zerbi deserved the backing of the club. Spurs supporters will hope this is the start rather than the end of their ambitions.

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Tottenham hope to wrap up a club-record-smashing deal for Mateus Fernandes this week after beating Manchester United to the midfielder.

Spurs joined the race to sign the Portuguese star late, but on Tuesday won a bidding war with Man Utd.

Fernandes was prepared to join either club, as his agent, Jorge Mendes, negotiated with the rival bidders, but Spurs’ superior financial might sealed the deal for £85million.

With Fernandes set to return to pre-season with West Ham on Monday, Spurs want the deal concluded before then.

Standard Sport understands that Spurs have been given permission to book a medical for Fernandes.

Personal terms are not expected to be a problem, with Fernandes likely to be made among Spurs’ highest-earners.

Fernandes is set to become Spurs’ fifth summer signing, and the most expensive in their history.

Spurs have already added Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free signings, and coughed up £52m for Jan Paul van Hecke.

The club could break their transfer record for the second time in a week as talks remain ongoing with Newcastle over a deal for Sandro Tonali.

Another Man Utd target, Tonali is said to be open to the move to Spurs in a deal which is expected to cost upwards of £90m in transfer fees.

Kinsky, who is poised to sign a new long-term contract at Spurs, ruled himself out of the Czech Republic’s World Cup squad this summer to undergo a minor medical procedure so he could be ready in time for the new season.

That decision came after the 23-year-old had played his way back into contention at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a number of impressive performances as Roberto De Zerbi’s side survived relegation on the final day against Everton.

"I faced the same situation when I was at Liverpool, back in 2013, when I announced that I wanted to leave for Arsenal,” Suarez told El Larguero.

“The captain, Gerrard, came to me. Arsenal were in the Champions League, and Liverpool weren’t, and I wanted to leave because I wanted to play in that competition. Gerrard convinced me to stay, telling me, 'You can’t go to Arsenal this year; if you have a great season, and we're going to have one, with the manager, the club, and everyone helping you, you’ll be able to go to Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or wherever you want.

“The choice will be yours, but for this year, stay here.' He convinced me. I publicly apologised at the time because my earlier comments hadn't been good; I committed myself fully to Liverpool, and within two or three games, the fans loved me. It turned out to be my best season at the club."

City struck a £116million agreement with Nottingham Forest last night to sign the midfielder, who will move to the Etihad Stadium on a salary of around £300,000 per week, if bonuses are achieved.

The Argentine, who joined the Italian side back in 2024 from Real Madrid, had a cheap buyback clause in his contract at the Serie A club, which Madrid triggered this summer.

Paz, however, wanted to stay at Como, who have now paid Real a fee to keep the midfielder, rather than have him move back to Spain.

The winger was a standout performer despite the Clarets getting relegated from the Premier League last term, and now, the Bees are interested in bringing him to west London.

The Czech was established the preferred No1 in the absence of Guglielmo Vicario for the remainder of the campaign, despite his glaring errors in the Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid under Igor Tudor.

“Whether I’ll be the starter or the backup is something the coach will decide. In my mind, I’ve always been the No1, even when I was on the bench. I’ll take the same approach now, and I believe it’ll work out.”