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Incoming Tottenham signing Sandro Tonali has explained his reasons for leaving Newcastle United for Spurs as he flies into London

Sandro Tonali has revealed Roberto De Zerbi as a key factor behind his move to Tottenham after being captured on his way to London from Milan by Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni. The midfielder's first comments appear to be made as he walks towards an airport entrance with the 26-year-old later formally interviewed.

Translated to English, he initially said: "We decided to make a change, so we are ready for this new adventure."

He added to Sky Sports Italy: "Absolutely, the feelings are positive, it was a bit long and let's just say it was difficult. We sort of had an agreement with Newcastle and we parted on very good terms. We talked about it every day.

"They wanted the best for me and we wanted the best deal for them. So I think that once you go like this it is different, so we are all happy."

In response to joining Tottenham over Man City, he said: "[Roberto] De Zerbi did a great job in all this. And for a life choice with my family because our life has changed with our child's birth so we decided to change a bit and De Zerbi made a great difference, he did his job and he did it well."

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Medical tests are set to take place today (Thursday, July 2) with Tonali to join Mateus Fernandes as a marquee signing for Spurs, with the latter's move confirmed this morning.

Upon his arrival from West Ham United, Fernandes also spoke about the importance of De Zerbi in convincing him to seal a switch across the capital.

He 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."

De Zerbi also holds Fernandes in high regard with it clear he is building quite the midfield that now includes the Portugal Under-21 international and his fellow Italian Tonali.

On Fernandes, the Spurs boss 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."

With Fernandes and Tonali set to join Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka as new players for the 2026/27 campaign, Tottenham have already spent over £200m and are not done there.

Attacking signings now appear to be the priority, with Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi a target and former Arsenal star Folarin Balogun, who is expected to leave AS Monaco this summer, also of interest. Manchester City's Savinho also remains on radar.

Tottenham have already spent big in this summer's transfer window with the club showing no signs of stopping anytime soon

Tottenham’s transfer window activity shows no signs of slowing down, with the club targeting Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi as their next potential signing.

Spurs have confirmed the £85million arrival of midfielder Mateus Fernandes and have agreed a fee with Newcastle for Sandro Tonali worth up to £100million .

After strengthening the midfield, attention now turns to forward areas. football.london understands that Junior Kroupi has emerged as a target for Spurs as they look for a new left forward. Tottenham will, however, face competition for his signature with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain also showing an interest.

Bournemouth will be reluctant to let one of their key players leave, with the club reportedly placing a figure of at least £80million on the head of the 20-year-old. But Spurs have already shown that they are not afraid to spend big in this transfer window as they look to avoid a repeat of last season.

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The France U21 international scored 13 goals in 33 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth last season. He is under contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2030.

While Junior Kroupi is at the top of the list, both AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Man City’s Savinho have emerged as other potential targets. Spurs could also potentially target a central striker to provide competition for Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham have also been linked with an interest in Man City goalkeeper James Trafford but it's believed the club will not be making a move for the 23-year-old.

Spurs have already brought in Martin Dubravka, Marco Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke, as well as Fernandes, in this transfer window so far.

The club are targeting players who can make an immediate impact in the Premier League, with Roberto De Zerbi wanting deals completed early so the new players can take part in pre-season.

Speaking after his transfer was confirmed, Fernandes admitted that De Zerbi was a key reason in his decision to join the club , despite interest from elsewhere.

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

Arsenal are facing the rising emergence of transfer window panic from sections of their fanbase after Tottenham Hotspur commit £237million to new players

Arsenal have watched on as their North London rivals commit close to their own total spend for the summer of 2025 on six new players before July has even got going. Tottenham Hotspur look set to complete the £100million deal for Sandro Tonali, which would take their total spend to £237million for the window in total with the double deal of Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.

There are further suggestions that Spurs might not yet be finished either, with ambitions to sign another forward, which could take their investment beyond £300million, a figure Arsenal have never spent in a single window. It comes off the back of two 17th-place finishes, while the Gunners find themselves sitting pretty in the summer sunshine as Premier League champions.

It has been a nightmarish period for Spurs, and it seems they’re making the decisions so that they never have to endure seasons such as the previous two for a very long time, perhaps ever again. Arsenal, meanwhile, have only confirmed the summer signing of Piero Hincapie on a permanent deal for £34.5million plus add-ons.

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No doubt the moves on the other side of North London have begun to raise eyebrows, even unsettle some supporters, and in the minority start calls for Arsenal to… ‘Hurry up!’

However, this would indeed be hyperbolic. As already explained, the two clubs are in very different places and for both Fernandes and Tonali, there was competition from Manchester United and Manchester City for two players not at the World Cup. It is worth pointing out football.london understands Arsenal turned down the chance to sign the Italian, who was deemed too expensive beyond just the transfer fee itself.

Spurs needed to move quickly and aggressively to win both races; they did. But many would argue that they have overspent on each player, similar to Manchester City’s outlay on Elliot Anderson. City and Spurs have impacted Arsenal, not on the pitch, but in the bank.

These three deals will no doubt hike the prices of plenty of the more expensive players on the market, and Arsenal will pay the price. Sporting director Andrea Berta has been active and the keenness on Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola, Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis is well-known.

The first three in the list are currently playing the World Cup, which always complicates any deals, with players often keen to focus on the tournament. Plus, there is the chance of injury impacting a player, something Arsenal would not want to commit the type of money it would take to do a deal, and risk that player suffering a major injury outside of their control.

Fans need not fear, Arsenal will spend and are expected to go big too. This is not the time for panic.

Tottenham's current record signing has already been handed his shirt number for the season ahead under Roberto De Zerbi

Mateus Fernandes will wear the number 18 shirt at Tottenham after sealing his £85million transfer from West Ham.

Fernandes has become Spurs ' record signing, if only for a day or so, before the north London club complete their £100million move for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. The 21-year-old Portuguese requested the shirt number 18 that he has worn throughout his two years in the Premier League at both West Ham and Southampton.

The number was worn previously by Spurs' South Korean youngster Yang Min-hyeok but the 20-year-old winger, who also wore 18 during a difficult loan spell at Coventry, will get a new number when he returns for pre-season training on July 10 after record signing Fernandes' request.

Players do not automatically lose their number when they head out on loan but Tottenham have made the change happen for their expensive new arrival.

Yang, who is yet to make a competitive appearance for Tottenham, has previously worn the number 47 both on loan at Portsmouth and QPR as that was his number as he broke through at Gangwon. The attacker may well decide to revert to that number this month when he returns to Hotspur Way.

Fernandes is taking a number that was previously worn by Giovani Lo Celso, Fernando Llorente and briefly Harry Kane after Jermain Defoe became the main man associated with 18. Before that the likes of Jurgen Klinsmann and Steffen Iversen and Milenko Acimovic all wore the number.

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

Roberto De Zerbi added: "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," said the Spurs boss.

"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."

Tottenham Hotspur agreed an £85million deal with West Ham for the midfielder and the Portuguese has now spoken about the transfer

Mateus Fernandes has admitted that Roberto De Zerbi was a huge part of his £85million move to Tottenham Hotspur from West Ham.

Spurs broke their transfer record to sign the 21-year-old midfielder and are set to smash it again with the arrival of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle in a move worth £100million including add-ons. Now Fernandes has explained that his chat with the club's Italian head coach was a major part in his signing.

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

The feeling is mutual with De Zerbi having wanted to work with the Portugal international for a while.

"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," said the Spurs boss.

"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."

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Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange added: "I'm delighted to welcome Mateus to the club. He is a player with outstanding technical ability, intelligence and maturity, and even at a young age, has shown he can perform consistently in demanding, high-pressure environments.

"We believe this is the right place for Mateus to take the next step in his career, working with our outstanding coaching staff and alongside an ambitious and talented group of players.

"I know our supporters will enjoy watching him, as he has the talent, mentality and work ethic to become a very important player both for the present and the future of Tottenham Hotspur."

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £100million deal to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United despite Arsenal being credited with an interest in the Italy international

Arsenal reportedly rejected the chance to sign Sandro Tonali before Tottenham Hotspur agreed a £100million deal with Newcastle United.

Tonali, 26, is in line to become the second player to break Spurs' transfer record during this summer window, with Matheus Fernandes also due to join from West Ham United for £85million. football.london understands that the Gunners were also interested in the Portugal international.

That means two of the most in-demand Premier League midfielders who were available during this summer transfer window are now north London-bound. The pair will help overhaul the Spurs midfield in what will be a new-look side next season.

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Tonali, though, could have ended up at Emirates Stadium, according to ChronicleLive. His agent Giuseppe Riso apparently approached Arsenal about his client.

But the Gunners reportedly declined that opportunity because they deemed his wage demands too high. Tonali is said to be in line to earn £275,000 per week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a six-year contract.

Riso also allegedly wanted a 10% agent cut. The agent spoke openly about his client's availability ahead of this summer.

He said in March: "Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he's the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world.

"The deal came about because a club like Newcastle, with unlimited financial resources, had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league."

The suggestion is that Spurs will pay an initial £92.5million, with £7.5million in add-ons based on qualifying for the Champions League. football.london understands that Spurs improving their initial £80million offer by around £20million sealed the deal with Newcastle.

Arsenal are also understood to be keen on signing Bruno Guimaraes. Their interest in the Brazil international is known to date back to 2020, when the midfielder was still playing for Atletico Paranaense in his homeland.

Newcastle, however, have already recouped £80million for Anthony Gordon this summer. With another £100million to come from cashing in on Tonali, they would appear to be even more unwilling to part with their club captain.

Their chief executive, David Hopkinson, acknowledged the possibility of any player leaving three months ago. He said: "We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer.

"But if an [Alexander] Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms. And we're going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club."

EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham given Sandro Tonali transfer verdict as Roberto De Zerbi role clear

Tottenham Hotspur have struck an agreement with Newcastle for Sandro Tonali and Chris Waddle has now had his say on the deal

Chris Waddle believes Johan Lange is right to break the bank, albeit reluctantly, to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United. The Magpies midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer as Roberto De Zerbi looks to rebuild the core of his squad.

Last week, our colleagues at The Chronicle Live revealed that Newcastle had rejected an £80million bid from the Lilywhites for Tonali, whose contract at St. James' Park expires in June 2028. football.london understands Spurs made an improved offer of around £20m this week and the two clubs have now struck a £100m agreement for the player.

It's believed that said figure is broken down into an initial £92.5m, as well as a further £7.5m in add ons dependent on multiple Champions League qualifications. Over the past week, Manchester City have reportedly secured the signature of Elliot Anderson, agreeing a deal with Nottingham Forest worth £116m, and that may have impacted the Tonali deal.

Speaking to football.london on behalf of 10bet, where you can place a sports bet, Waddle commented on the impact that such a transfer would have on the market and Tottenham's pursuit of the Italy international.

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"Listen, in modern-day football, when Elliot Anderson is being talked about for £130m, who knows?" said the Spurs cult hero. "Tonali is a hard-working midfield player. What does he get, four or five goals a season?

"He's a fit guy who can cover the ground, and I can see why teams are interested. But I honestly can't believe the transfer fees of today, paying £80m or £100m for a midfield player who doesn't really create a lot or score a lot.

"It’s a hell of a lot of money, and I still can't get my head around some of these figures. But if that's the going rate you have to pay, so be it."

Johan Lange appears to have made a conscious effort to sign Premier League-proven players this summer, welcoming Andrew Robertson, Marco Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Martin Dubravka to Hotspur Way. With Mateus Fernandes also set to join, the Tottenham sporting director has completed the bulk of business before pre-season preparations get underway.

Waddle added: "It’s lively, and things are moving, which is a good thing. With players coming in, I'm sure they'll have to get rid of a few to fund these transfers and change the squad.

"There might be a couple of players leaving after the World Cup who you didn't think would go. Once the tournament finishes, I think there'll be a lot more movement. But they're active and in the market.

"They've signed two or three, and it looks as if they want to build a new side that can compete at the right end of the table. With Roberto De Zerbi going in there, the sporting side is different now.

"It's not Daniel Levy running the transfers the way it used to be. It's a different face and a different way of looking at it."

Waddle has attributed the change in the recruitment philosophy to De Zerbi, who would've sought assurances from Lange before taking the job. Although Tottenham have been embroiled in back-to-back relegation battles, the Italian will want to fight for a Champions League qualification spot.

"Tottenham have been getting a lot of stick about where they've been the last couple of years, so I think they've started to realise that you need to spend money on good players," said Waddle. "Simple as that.

"If you get good players, you'll have a good team. I think with De Zerbi going in, he probably said during his interview, 'Look, you can get another manager in after me, and another one after him, but if you just keep going down the same lanes you've been going down, you won't progress. You've got to be braver, spend money, and get better quality.'

"And I think they've listened to him..."

Tottenham Hotspur have tailed Sandro Tonali's services for the majority of the summer thus far, and seem to have finally landed their number one transfer target for an eye-watering £100m

Tottenham Hotspur have reached an £100million agreement with Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali.

Spurs have been long-time admirers of the Magpies midfielder, finally making a move when the summer transfer window swung wide open.

While Newcastle swiftly knocked back an initial offer thought to be in the region of £80m, Roberto De Zerbi's outfit were not put off in their endeavours.

Football.london understands that an improved offer of around £20m more has sealed a deal between the two clubs.

It is also suggested that said figure is broken down into an initial £92.5m, as well as a further £7.5m in add ons dependent on multiple Champions League qualifications.

It's a tidy bit of business from Newcastle, who will now look to replace one of their most valuable players for the new season.

Spurs, meanwhile, are seemingly on a warpath to overhaul their first-team, to allow De Zerbi the best chance of success in 2026/27.

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The Italian head coach managed to steer the Lilywhites from the grips of relegation in limited time after his arrival in late March, but could only inspire a lowly 17th-place Premier League finish.

With his sights seemingly set on building Spurs back up to where they belong, he will be eager to welcome a number of new fresh faces to improve his arsenal.

Elsewhere, Spurs are also on the verge of signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, having agreed an £85m deal earlier this week.

The 21-year-old was seen as a primary target alongside Tonali, with many fans believing that it would be a case of one or the other due to their costs.

However, it now appears that both will be playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

Elsewhere, Spurs have welcomed Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi as free agents, as well as Martin Dubravka - formerly of Burnley.

Luka Vuskovic is set to join Brighton from Tottenham with that exit expected to fund a move for Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali

Tottenham have agreed to sell Luka Vuskovic to Brighton in a £50million deal, according to Fabrizio Romano. football.london understands that a 20 per cent sell-on clause has also been included in the transfer but will only come in to play if profit is set to be made on any potential sale.

Multiple bids were knocked back by the Lilywhites during negotiations with Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke but an agreement has now been reached.

Vuskovic did not make one competitive appearance for Tottenham but multiple impressive loans saw his stock rise considerably. His most recent temporary move at Hoffenheim showed off his rather remarkable traits.

Given his clear ability and potential, it seemed baffling to sell but Tottenham's potential reason for loosening their stance could be due to their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

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Archie Gray has since emerged on their radar but Spurs have no intention of selling him despite looking to revamp their midfield.

An £85m fee has already been agreed with West Ham United for Mateus Fernandes with Roberto De Zerbi now turning attention to Tonali.

The Magpies have already rejected proposals from north London with the latest of those hitting £90m. Eddie Howe's side look to be holding out for triple-figures, though.

And with £46m coming into the club, Spurs will now be able to afford their lofty asking price with Tonali and Fernandes set to join Martin Dubravka, Van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson as new signings.

Having spent carefully over the last few years, continued bringing in mass revenue and also helped by funds being injected into the club by ENIC, Tottenham have the finances to make these marquee signings.

Player sales will likely still be needed, however, with Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr and Cristian Romero among those that could depart.

If more funds are raised, Spurs could sign even more players with Manchester City's Savinho linked and AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun also recently emerging of interest.

EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham given Lucas Bergvall green light as Roberto De Zerbi scraps Johan Lange transfer plan

Lucas Bergvall, who will soon return to north London following a 3-0 defeat to France in the World Cup round of 32 on Tuesday night, faces an uncertain future at Tottenham Hotspur.

Chris Waddle believes Tottenham Hotspur should sell Lucas Bergvall this summer. The 20-year-old midfielder has recently been linked with a move away from the Lilywhites as Roberto De Zerbi looks to rebuild the core of his squad.

At the end of last season, Bergvall struggled to establish himself as a regular in the Italian's side. The Swedish international featured in five out of a possible seven Premier League games under De Zerbi, with a solitary start coming against Sunderland, which was his first game in charge.

After failing to make a good impression at the Stadium of Light, he came off the bench in each of the next four games before becoming an unused substitute in the last two. The 47-year-old raised eyebrows when he axed Bergvall, and he's only fanned the flames by setting his sights on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.

Speaking to football.london on behalf of 10bet, where you can place a sports bet, Waddle commented on the Swede's future. The Tottenham cult hero questioned Johan Lange, claiming that Bergvall and Archie Gray were signed to be later sold rather than bolster the squad.

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Waddle said: "Listen, if you're going to go out and get Mateus Fernandes, or if you're going to get Sandro Tonali, and if you can get £40m, £50m, or £60m for Bergvall, then you have to ask yourself: why are they going for these other players if Bergvall is supposed to be the answer?

"Obviously, the manager thinks he's not the answer right now, which is why the club is looking for other midfield players to come into the team. Look at Archie Gray, he's another young midfield player who has barely been mentioned about starting or being a regular in the side.

"Tottenham bought these two young players, thinking they're going to be a huge success, and then down the line we’ll sell them on for £80m or £90m. That is their business plan, we all know that. But the two of them have been very inconsistent, and they're still young players.

"If De Zerbi has watched Bergvall in training and thinks he's still two or three years away from being the player he wants, or if he just decides Bergvall isn't his cup of tea, he might say, 'Look, if we can get good money for him, that'll help me buy a player I actually want right now'.

Taking aim at Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, Waddle said: "It’s not a surprise with Tottenham. They constantly bring players in who are young and have unbelievable potential. Some hit the ground running, and you think, ‘Yes, that's a success,’ but you always know they're going to get sold on at some point."

Waddle also applauded De Zerbi for flexing his muscles and enforcing change in Tottenham's recruitment philosophy. The 65-year-old said: "I think De Zerbi is trying to stop that cycle.

"He wants players there where you think, ‘Why would you want to leave? You should be at Tottenham because Tottenham is going to win trophies.’ He's trying to get that winning mentality into the club rather than just constantly buying young players, trying to develop them, and selling them for a profit.

Giving Spurs the green light to cash in, Waddle added: "If someone has put a good bid on the table for Bergvall, then by all means, they should take it."

Before Sweden crashed out of the World Cup, Fotbollskanalen asked Bergvall to provide an update on his future. When asked whether he plans to leave Tottenham, he said: "Right now, I’m just trying to focus on the World Cup.

"Whatever happens after that, I’ll deal with it then. I’m fully focused on the World Cup," added the youngster, who was then pressed for an explanation. Bergvall doubled down and said: "As I said: I’m fully focused on the World Cup."

On whether his agent has contacted Spurs, Bergvall replied: "I’m fully focusing on the World Cup. I’m here with Sweden, and we’re going to try to make a good impression in the U.S. Whatever happens after that, we’ll deal with it then."

Following Sweden's defeat to France in the World Cup round of 32 on Tuesday night, Bergvall will be soon report for pre-season training.