Football London

Croatia boss sends Luka Vuskovic Tottenham transfer instructions as £35m bid rejected

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Croatia boss sends Luka Vuskovic Tottenham transfer instructions as £35m bid rejected - Football London
Description

football.london asked Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic about Luka Vuskovic and his future at Tottenham as the young defender prepares to make his World Cup bow with England

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has told Luka Vuskovic he "needs to find a club" where he's a regular starter as he edges closer to the Tottenham exit door.

The imminent £52million signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, subject to passing a medical, is likely to push Vuskovic even further down the Spurs defensive pecking order.

The 19-year-old centre-back could make his World Cup debut against England on Wednesday in Dallas but rumours over his club future continue to swirl in the background.

Brighton have now seen two bids rejected for Vuskovic, the latest was worth up to £35million.

It's worth noting that the deal for Van Hecke is an entirely separate operation to the talks for Vuskovic.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

football.london asked Dalic whether he trusts the Spurs teenager to start against England and whether he has any concern about the player's mindset because of Brighton's strong interest.

He replied: "Vuskovic is a great talent and a great player, he played a great season in his club, he has great potential.

"He will be succeeding [Josko] Gvardiol, he's very smart, he plays a difficult position and he's still a young player, we will see how we use him.

"I expect him to prove himself at this World Cup and to be a great player for us in the next 15 years.

"He will decide his career himself with the people that manage him but it's important for him to find a club where he will play in the starting XI. Again, we have a great player for the next 15 years."

It's no secret that Vuskovic sparkled while on loan at Hamburg last season as he netted six goals and also earned a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Year.

A return to Hamburg has virtually been ruled out though and Vuskovic is not believed to be keen on another loan, anyway.

If Tottenham aren't able to provide him with assurances over playing time, he could well sign elsewhere.

Once Van Hecke is through the door, Spurs will have a raft of centre-backs at their disposal including Cuti Romero, Micky van de Ven, new boy Marcos Senesi, Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin.

There are also young talents like Kota Takai, Jun'ai Byfield and Ashley Phillips. It's fair to say Tottenham could well sell a few of those listed names with Romero being a clear candidate to depart.

Arsenal latest: Sandro Tonali transfer race update as Tottenham dealt blow

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Arsenal latest: Sandro Tonali transfer race update as Tottenham dealt blow - Football London
Description

Arsenal have been linked with various players in the summer transfer window, including Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali

Arsenal approach the summer transfer window from a position of strength as the reigning Premier League champions. Mikel Arteta will be keen to capitalise on his side's triumph by landing the club's top targets.

The Gunners have built an impressive squad but there remains scope for improvement. Arsenal have repeatedly been linked with Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, while Morocco prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi has also been touted for a switch to the Emirates Stadium during the World Cup.

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is another player who has been the focus of transfer speculation. The 26-year-old was reported to be an Arsenal target during the last window and has been linked with several Premier League sides.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are said to be keen on signing Tottenham Hotspur academy talent Elijah Upson. Here, football.london looks at some of the stories surrounding Arsenal.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Sandro Tonali transfer battle update

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined the pursuit of Newcastle star Sandro Tonali. Arsenal were previously linked with a swoop for the Italy international at the end of the winter transfer window.

The Times reports that Spurs have held discussions with Tonali's representatives regarding a potential transfer to Roberto De Zerbi's side. Newcastle are reported to value the midfielder at up to £100million.

It is claimed that Tonali has been offered to several clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United. Newcastle have already parted ways with one of their prized assets this summer, following Anthony Gordon's move to Barcelona.

Arsenal deal Tottenham blow

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move for Tottenham Hotspur academy talent Elijah Upson. The defender is poised to leave Spurs upon the expiry of his contract and could face the blow of Upson joining their north London rivals.

The Athletic reports that Arsenal are targeting Upson as part of their ambition to secure top young prospects, following their interest in Leicester City's Jeremy Monga. Upson made 23 appearances across all competitions last season, captaining Spurs' U18s on several occasions.

The England U18 international is the son of former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson. The 47-year-old spent five-and-a-half years with the Gunners, making 57 appearances and winning the Premier League title in 2002.

Tottenham line up statement transfer, strike £52m agreement and hatch Savinho plan

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham line up statement transfer, strike £52m agreement and hatch Savinho plan - Football London
Description

The north London side have been busy working behind the scenes ahead of Roberto De Zerbi's first transfer window as head coach

Tottenham are showing signs of movement in the summer transfer window, with the hierarchy hopeful of backing new head coach Roberto De Zerbi after last season's disastrous Premier League campaign. Spurs only secured survival on the final day, with their 1‑0 win over Everton sending West Ham down to the Championship.

De Zerbi has already made two significant additions to his squad, bringing in Andy Robertson from Liverpool and Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi on free transfers. Robertson arrives with a wealth of Premier League experience and is expected to play a key role in north London, while Senesi has established himself as a reliable performer in the division.

The transfer business isn't expected to stop there, with a major overhaul anticipated - especially in defence, where the futures of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven remain uncertain.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at the latest transfer news from in and around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

North London reunion

football.london understands that a reunion is set for both De Zerbi and defender Jan Paul van Hecke after a £52million agreement was reached between the clubs. It wasn't a smooth process, with Spurs seeing several bids rejected by the Seagulls.

The Dutchman is currently focused on representing his country at the World Cup, having featured in the Netherlands' opening game against Japan, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Statement transfer

The signing of Sandro Tonali would certainly rank as a statement addition in De Zerbi's first transfer window as Spurs boss.

The club are keen to get a deal over the line and have already held talks with the midfielder's representatives - though he is valued at £100m by Newcastle United, according to The Athletic.

However, it's suggested that Spurs are 'yet to make contact' with Newcastle over a move. Although the North East side are prepared to lose Tonali, they would still be looking to profit on the £61m they paid for the midfielder.

The Italian is said to have been offered to several clubs, including Spurs' rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.

Savinho interest revived

In addition to targeting a defender and a midfielder, Spurs are also exploring options to strengthen the left‑wing position. After last summer's failed pursuit of Savinho, Spurs are making a move again.

The Manchester City star saw his role reduced at the Etihad last season, making only seven starts. It is being reported that Spurs have decided to line up West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville as an option in case they can't strike a deal for Savinho.

Summerville was a January transfer target for Spurs.

Tottenham strike £52m transfer agreement after Sandro Tonali interest emerges

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham strike £52m transfer agreement after Sandro Tonali interest emerges - Football London
Description

Tottenham Hotspur have been looking to wrap up a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion and Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke as they seek to strengthen their defence

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £52million deal to sign Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Spurs are trying to reunite head coach Roberto De Zerbi with his former Brighton centre-back and have had several bids rejected by the Seagulls.

football.london understands a deal has now been agreed with Brighton for the defender. The South Coast club were said to value Van Hecke at around £70m, despite him having only 12 months left on his contract.

The Athletic reported that personal terms are not expected to be an issue for the Netherlands international, who is representing his country at this summer's World Cup. It is also claimed that Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic, for whom Brighton have had a £35m offer rejected, is not part of any move.

Van Hecke spoke about his future ahead of the Netherlands' 2-2 draw against Japan on Sunday. The former NAC Breda, Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers star is hoping to avoid any distractions while he competes in North America.

Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!

He said "First of all, I just want to focus on the Dutch national team on Sunday.

"That is a very important match for us, for me. So that’s my focus until now. Of course, things are also playing, and I know that myself too. But that’s not for now, that’s more after the World Cup. I will then see where I play.

"I have also said very clearly that I would like to have clarity for myself before the World Cup. And I have that too. But then for now for myself it’s just clear. I just want to play the World Cup as well as possible. That clarity will probably come after the World Cup when I make that step, then it’s clear to everyone."

The 26-year-old has been at Brighton since 2020 and played a key role in their qualification for Europe last season. Van Hecke started 36 of Brighton’s 38 Premier League matches in the 2025/26 campaign as they qualified for the Conference League by finishing eighth.

The deal comes amid Tottenham's interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. Spurs have held positive talks with the Italy international's entourage ahead of making any potential bid to Newcastle although they are likely to face rivals for Tonali's signature with Arsenal among those having shown interest in the 26-year-old.

The Magpies are expected to slap a price tag of around £100m on Tonali, as the midfielder has three years left on his contract and a club option to extend it by another 12 months.

It will not be an easy transfer to get near the finish line, let alone over it, but former Tottenham, Manchester United and England striker Teddy Sheringham believes that Tonali is the calibre of player his old club must target.

The 60-year-old said: "About three years ago I said that Manchester United needed to go and sign Harry Kane and Declan Rice as soon as they were available. United didn’t get either of them. Tottenham are in that situation now.

"You have to go and get the big players now to lead by example, players that come into a club and set the standard, like what Harry has done at Bayern Munich and Declan has done at Arsenal.

"You need players who will put the shirt on and fill it out like Eric Cantona did when he went to United. Players who look like they deserve to be there."

Riccardo Calafiori may have already helped Arsenal beat Tottenham to Sandro Tonali transfer

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Riccardo Calafiori may have already helped Arsenal beat Tottenham to Sandro Tonali transfer - Football London
Description

Sandro Tonali appears to face a somewhat uncertain future at Newcastle United ahead of the summer transfer window.

Riccardo Calafiori could give Arsenal the edge over Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United. The Magpies star has recently been linked with a move to north London as Mikel Arteta and Roberto De Zerbi both look to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

According to The Athletic, the Lilywhites are in positive talks with Tonali's entourage over a potential move this summer. The report claims that Spurs are yet to contact Newcastle, but they're expected to do so if they believe they can agree personal terms with the Italy international.

It's said that Tottenham are prepared to 'push hard for a statement signing', but they face strong competition from Arsenal and Manchester. That said, however, the Lilywhites are reportedly 'most advanced' in the race for Tonali's signature.

If the Gunners wanted to level the playing field, or even leapfrog Spurs, Andrea Berta could lean on Calafiori to work his magic. The Arsenal defender appears to have a good relationship with his fellow countryman, having previously shared the pitch on the international stage.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Calafiori and Tonali first appeared together for Italy Under-21s in September 2021, when they defeated Luxembourg in the group stage of UEFA European Championship qualifying. Then, nearly three years to the day, they shared the pitch for the senior outfit, helping Luciano Spalletti's side beat France in the group stage of UEFA Nations League A.

The duo have featured together for Italy a further eight times since, chalking up 11 appearances, winning eight, drawing one and losing the remaining two. Calafiori and Tonali have known each other for years, and the Arsenal defender could be key to stifling any potential bid from Tottenham this summer.

At the end of the season before last, he commented on his relationship with Tonali. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia in May 2025, ahead of the Gunners' clash against Newcastle, Calafiori revealed that he swapped shirts with the midfielder when they met at St. James’ Park for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Tonali led the Magpies to victory before defeating Liverpool in the final at Wembley Stadium a month or so later. The Arsenal defender said: "I think I’ve only played against him once for a few minutes this season because I was not available in the other games.

"It was enough to swap shirts. I still haven’t heard from him, but I hope we’ll also meet later with the national team."

Although Calafiori and Tonali may be close, the Newcastle star has previously all-but-ruled out a move away from Tyneside. Speaking to Sky Sports in April, he said: "In football, if you play well, you have to deal with the transfer rumours, but if you concentrate 100 per cent on your game, and you’re happy, you don’t have to think about anything or speak about anything."

A couple of weeks earlier, his agent fanned the flames in an interview with Italian outlet Calcio & Finanza. When asked about his move to St James' Park, Giuseppe Riso said: "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."

On a potential move to Arsenal or Manchester City, Riso said: "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."

Sandro Tonali and the £230m Tottenham transfer statement to fix De Zerbi problems

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Sandro Tonali and the £230m Tottenham transfer statement to fix De Zerbi problems - Football London
Description

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a string of big money deals this summer and now a Newcastle midfielder is in their sights

"We are investing in it. You will see more of this in the coming months...We know that actions will speak louder than words."

Those were the words of Tottenham's owners, the Lewis family, three days after the north London club's miserable season came to a close last month with relegation from the Premier League only just avoided by two points on the nerviest of final days. It was a campaign with mistakes littered across every level of the club with the decisions made and those not.

Now comes a summer of fixing Tottenham Hotspur on and off the pitch. Actions will indeed speak louder than words because the Lewis family, through their company ENIC, know that they must convince a sceptical fanbase that has seen very little ambition on the pitch for a quarter of a century.

The new generations of the family must prove that they will bring something different to what came before and in that same statement, the family's first to Spurs fans, they spoke of "eroded trust and we have to win that back".

Two things win over supporters of a football club - making the right decisions and spending the required money in the transfer market to compete.

The former must be proved in the months ahead while the latter can only be shown with players putting pen to paper. Tottenham fans have heard too many tales and excuses over the years of who the club tried but failed to sign. Last season alone contained a path scattered in broken transfer dreams.

Now is the time to dare and do. The latest transfer movement comes with a positively-received approach to Sandro Tonali's camp about signing the 26-year-old Newcastle midfielder.

That is exactly the type of statement signing Spurs need to be making this summer but the job is barely begun. The Roberto De Zerbi factor can be key, with Tonali's compatriot making it clear to the midfielder's people how his new-look team will be built around the Italy international.

Tonali came through at De Zerbi's hometown club Brescia before moving on to AC Milan and then Newcastle. His engine and ability on the ball would allow him to be De Zerbi's quarterback, able to receive the ball on the edge of the Spurs box, resist the press and fire quick passes between the lines. The Italian is seen as something between a number six and an eight by many in the game.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

With Arsenal having been offered Tonali earlier this season and their sporting director Andrea Berta said to be a fan, Tottenham will be wary after last summer's mess with Eberechi Eze of another hijack. De Zerbi can offer Tonali the chance to be the main man at Spurs with a bumper salary within the club's finally increased wage structure, but the Gunners have Champions League football on the menu as well as the allure that comes with being Premier League champions.

That's not to mention other clubs like Manchester City, PSG and Real Madrid who have all been credited with an interest in the player in recent months. There will be fears that Spurs' name is being used to kick one of those big boys into action.

That's just part of the task though for Tottenham. Newcastle must not be forgotten in all of this. They have not been contacted yet and while there is a growing expectation that Tonali will be sold this summer, the price tag reportedly on his head could be anywhere up to £100million. That would be almost double anything Spurs have previously paid for a player and Newcastle fans will likely be asking themselves after last season's exploits, 'why Tottenham?'.

The coming days will show whether it's just a fanciful idea or something that Tottenham are actually able to push through and it would be the biggest statement of their summer and of their backing for De Zerbi.

Throw in the north London club's efforts to try to sign the £70million-rated Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and Savinho from Manchester City, with the Brazilian reportedly around the £60million mark, and that would represent a near £230million transfer market triple whammy if all valuations were met with De Zerbi also wanting a striker this summer.

On top of that were the free agent captures of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, aided by that improved wage structure, as well as the new contract for Pedro Porro, which placed the Spaniard among the club's top earners.

The Lewis family are expected to pump more money into the club in the weeks ahead and all eyes will be on how it is spent. There needs to be the ambition shown that has long been lacking. For as was clearly stated and promised, actions will speak louder than words.

Sandro Tonali Newcastle future 'decided' amid Arsenal and Tottenham transfer links

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Sandro Tonali Newcastle future 'decided' amid Arsenal and Tottenham transfer links - Football London
Description

Sandro Tonali faces an uncertain future at Newcastle United, with his contract set to expire in June 2028.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur could lock horns over the signing of Sandro Tonali. The Newcastle United star has recently been linked with a move to north London as Mikel Arteta and Roberto De Zerbi both look to bolster their options in the middle of the park this summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Lilywhites have joined Manchester City and the Gunners in the race to sign Tonali. The journalist claims Spurs have identified the Italy international as the 'ideal' candidate to help them climb the Premier League after back-to-back relegation scares.

Meanwhile, The Athletic have claimed that the sale of the 26-year-old 'remains possible', but the Magpies are yet to receive any 'concrete offers'. Newcastle would reportedly demand a 'high fee' for the midfielder, whose situation is currently being monitored by 'multiple elite clubs' in the English top-flight, including Arsenal.

Regardless of whether Arsenal or Tottenham sign Tonali, they're both expected to splash the cash this summer. Last month, Arteta told reporters that he wants to be 'very ambitious' in the transfer window, while De Zerbi outlined his desire to 'build a new team'.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

So, with that being said, journalists at football.london have weighed up whether Tonali should join Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur.

Alasdair Gold

Tottenham face a tough task when they're in a transfer battle for a player right now, without the prospect of European football and with those two 17th-placed finishes behind them.

When it comes to Tonali though they have the De Zerbi factor and having a fellow Italian spell out just how key the Newcastle midfielder would be to his Spurs team and within the plan to get back to being a top four side will be a helpful influence on proceedings.

Tonali will be sold a vision as the hub of what this new-looked Tottenham team will be built around as the owners looked to splash the cash to ensure the horror show of last season is never repeated. At Arsenal, the Italy international would get game time across various competitions but at Spurs he would be the main man, playing every single week and sometimes it's clear when you really feel wanted.

Tottenham have also opened up their wage structure this year and will be able to offer Tonali far more than the club used to, which should finally help them compete on a level playing field when it comes to finances.

Verdict: Tonali to Tottenham.

Jake Stokes

Arsenal should do whatever it takes to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United this summer. Mikel Arteta could stop Roberto De Zerbi from significantly bolstering his side while improving his own.

With so many fixtures in the calendar, the Spaniard needs to be able to rely on as many top players as possible throughout the campaign. Even if the Magpies midfielder wanted assurances over game time, he'd probably chalk up more minutes across numerous competitions for Arsenal than for Tottenham, who are without European football.

Although Tonali has the chance to be at the centre of something that could be special under De Zerbi, the Spurs boss hasn't managed more than 100 games since he left Sassuolo in 2021. Arteta, on the other hand, is six-and-a-half years into a long-term project where he's in control and seems to still be as hungry as ever for silverware.

Verdict: Tonali to Arsenal.

Sam Truelove

I really like Sandro Tonali as a player. The 26-year-old is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, I believe, and is capable of playing as a number 6 or as a number 8. He's probably more of a defensive-minded player and his 10 goals in 110 appearances for Newcastle probably proves that.

But should he go to Arsenal or Tottenham? The Gunners' midfielder is pretty stacked as it is and Mikel Already has the likes or Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice to call upon. I'm just not sure Tonali is what Arsenal need right now.

Tottenham need Tonali more, in my opinion, but is the Italian really going to go to Spurs? The club have just finished 17th in the Premier League for the second consecutive season and a player like Tonali really needs to be fighting for major honours. I'm not sure he will be if he moves to Spurs.

So, if I was Tonali I would be pushing for a move elsewhere. Man City or Manchester United would be better suited.

Tottenham launch Sandro Tonali transfer push after Roberto De Zerbi request in Arsenal twist

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham launch Sandro Tonali transfer push after Roberto De Zerbi request in Arsenal twist - Football London
Description

Tottenham are said to be interested in a move for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, though they are likely to face some intense competition to sign the Italian star

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking to complete the signing of Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali this summer. Spurs have already made a busy start to the summer transfer window and are showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Two new signings have already been made by Tottenham, with Andy Robertson the first after his arrival on a free transfer from Liverpool. Marcos Senesi has also been signed by Spurs as a free agent, with his contract at Bournemouth set to expire at the end of this month.

Now, there are fresh reports claiming that Tonali is now a player of interest to Tottenham, with an update on the midfielder’s future.

According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are the latest club to join the race to sign Tonali, who has also been mentioned as a target for other Premier League clubs.

Manchester City and Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Tonali, who looks increasingly likely to leave Newcastle this summer after the club failed to qualify for Europe.

Tonali is under contract at St James’ Park until the summer of 2029, but has been linked with a move away from the Magpies for some time.

Arsenal were credited with an interest in signing Tonali on deadline day back in February, while Manchester United have also been mentioned as a potential destination.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Romano has also recently reported that United no longer have an interest in trying to sign Tonali.

He said: "Manchester United are not going for Sandro Tonali at this stage. The intention of Manchester United is not to proceed.

"Manchester United has been interested in Tonali for some time, and he’s been on Manchester United’s shortlist, but now Manchester United believe that the player is too expensive."

There have been suggestions that Newcastle would demand €100million (£86m) to consider parting ways with Tonali this summer.

Spurs are have also expressed a desire to strengthen other areas of their squad this summer, with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke a player of interest this summer.

Man City forward Savinho has also been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Arsenal could hijack dream Tottenham transfer as Mikel Arteta makes Sandro Tonali feelings clear

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Arsenal could hijack dream Tottenham transfer as Mikel Arteta makes Sandro Tonali feelings clear - Football London
Description

Sandro Tonali could be on the move this summer, with several top Premier League clubs said to be circling St James' Park like vultures.

Arsenal could stop Tottenham Hotspur from signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United. The Magpies midfielder faces a somewhat uncertain future at St James' Park, having recently entered the final two years of his contract.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Lilywhites have joined Manchester City and the Gunners in the race to sign Tonali. The journalist claims Roberto De Zerbi has identified the Italy international as the 'ideal' candidate to help Spurs climb the Premier League.

It's said that Tottenham officials believe Tonali would be keen on the move. Meanwhile, The Athletic have reported that the sale of the 26-year-old 'remains possible', but Newcastle are yet to receive any 'concrete offers'.

The Magpies would demand a 'high fee' for the midfielder, whose situation is currently being monitored by 'multiple elite clubs' in the English top-flight, including Arsenal. The report claims that Mikel Arteta is a fan of Tonali, but any potential deal 'may prove prohibitively expensive'.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Manchester United are also reportedly interested in signing the Italian, but he's one of four options as Michael Carrick casts his net far and wide for a new midfielder. Tonali signed a five-year contract when he joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55million in July 2023, but The Athletic reckon the Magpies reserve the option to extend his stay until June 2030.

The ChronicleLive, however, say Newcastle only have the option to extend his deal until June 2029. Nevertheless, in April 2026, the Italian squashed speculation of a move away from Tyneside.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Tonali said: "In football, if you play well, you have to deal with the transfer rumours, but if you concentrate 100 per cent on your game, and you’re happy, you don’t have to think about anything or speak about anything."

A couple of weeks prior, his agent fielded questions from Italian outlet Calcio & Finanza. When asked about his move to St James' Park, Giuseppe Riso said: "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."

On a potential move to Arsenal or Manchester City, Riso said: "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."

Regardless of whether Arsenal sign Tonali ahead of Tottenham or not, they're expected to splash the cash again, despite spending about £250m last summer. Speaking to reporters last month, following the Gunners' defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, Arteta turned his attention to transfer window.

The Spaniard said: "First of all, I will take a few days with my family and then we will start the process to review what we have done. We will have to start making some very important decisions if we want to reach another level.

"We are going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it is going to demand us to be very ambitious, very fast and very smart."

Tottenham transfer update after Mathys Tel conversation with Roberto De Zerbi amid Savinho talks

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham transfer update after Mathys Tel conversation with Roberto De Zerbi amid Savinho talks - Football London
Description

EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham transfer update after Mathys Tel conversation with Roberto De Zerbi amid Savinho talks

Exclusive - One Tottenham attacker has been the subject of transfer speculation as the club look to add more option up top for Roberto De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi has told Mathys Tel that he will be counting on him next season as a Tottenham player despite transfer links for the Frenchman, football.london understands.

With Spurs trying to get a deal done for Manchester City winger Savinho this summer after attempting to prise away the Brazilian in the winter window, Tel's future at the north London club looked to be unclear with links to Premier League sides such as Bournemouth and others across Europe.

However, football.london understands that before Tel departed on his summer holidays the 21-year-old had a conversation with De Zerbi about his future in which the Italian made it clear that he would be counting on him next season and that he had no intention of allowing him to leave the club.

Tel played a big part in De Zerbi's team in the final weeks of the campaign with an assist against Aston Villa and a goal against Leeds United and the former Bayern Munich attacker was one of Spurs' brighter attackers as they remained in the Premier League by just two points.

It's also worth noting that when it comes to Tottenham's left side, De Zerbi will be without both Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons until the turn of the year with anterior cruciate ligament injuries. So even if the Lilywhites can secure a deal for Savinho then the Brazilian and Tel would be the main options on the left unless someone else came in, while it remains to be seen when Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski can return on the right.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Both Tel and Savinho can play on either flank and there is also the talented 18-year-old Mikey Moore for De Zerbi to make a decision on. The Spurs academy product won the Scottish Premiership Young Player of the Year award last season after an impressive loan at Rangers.

After Tel scored that excellent goal against Leeds but then gave away a penalty not long after, De Zerbi spoke about the France U21 international in the days after.

"A great reaction [since]. He is a mature guy. Maybe more outside of the pitch than on the pitch because he is not playing so many games in his career, but he has big potential," he said. "He is a lovely guy, he is a positive guy and he has strong character. I think the future he can play better and better and he can become a great player for us."