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Fabrizio Romano: Tonali 'keen' on Tottenham move as 'important detail' gives Spurs edge over rivals
16 Jun 2026 09:02 BST |
5 min read
News
Sandro Tonali is ‘keen’ on joining Tottenham after the North London side launched a stunning pursuit of the Newcastle star, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Tonali looks set to leave Newcastle this summer after the Magpies missed out on European football for next season, with the player’s agent touting his client’s services around to teams such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Current ETV
Sandro Tonali
DM, M (C)
Newcastle
Sandro Tonali
DM, M (C)
Newcastle
ETV Range
€66.6M - €81.4M
However, Newcastle are believed to be demanding a fee of around €100 million for Tonali which has so far deterred suitors but Romano revealed that Tottenham are going ‘all in’ for the Italian, who is also open to the project and linking up with Roberto De Zerbi, who is from the same city as the midfielder.
“Tottenham want to do something very, very important in terms of a top player, top name in midfield,” Romano said on YouTube. “An important detail: Roberto wants Tonali, but De Zerbi and Tonali are from the same city, Brescia in Italy. So there is a very good connection between them.
“It's not just about being Italian; it's also about being from the same city. The connection is excellent. And so, De Zerbi is pushing internally at Tottenham to have Tonali as soon as possible. Obviously, the timing will depend on negotiations with Newcastle. It is never easy to strike a deal with Newcastle, but Tottenham will be on it.
“My understanding is that Tonali is keen on a move to Tottenham. Tonali is open to joining Tottenham. Tonali is ready to join Spurs even without European football, even after a terrible season for them. Tonali is attracted by the project, wants to play for De Zerbi, and so the possibility to see Tonali at Tottenham is really serious, it's really concrete.”
Sandro Tonali: Tottenham looking to move ahead of rivals for Newcastle star
Tonali’s contract at Newcastle expires in 2029 and Eddie Howe’s side have an option to extend for another season, giving the club leverage in negotiations for a player they paid €60m for in 2023.
Interest has been strong in Tonali and Newcastle are open to his departure if their asking price is met, although Tottenham appear to be the only side currently open to striking a deal.
“Tottenham today have entered the race very strong, very concrete, very determined to sign Sandro Tonali. Then let's wait for the negotiation club-to-club,” Romano said.
“Arsenal have called for weeks. Manchester City have been in contact for weeks. But now Tottenham are going all in for Sandro Tonali, the wanted player by De Zerbi to step up the project and to show his ambition. So keep an eye on this one."
Verdict: One to watch
Despite his agent pushing hard for the player to leave Newcastle, Tonali is not believed to have requested to leave St James’ Park and is thought to be settled in the North East after becoming a father for the first time in January.
However, while interest has been strong in Tonali, no teams have emerged as frontrunners, which has allowed Spurs to make their move to get ahead of their rivals.
Tonali is not believed to currently be a priority target for the likes of Arsenal and Man Utd, although City could formalise an approach if incoming manager Enzo Maresca demands another midfielder once an expected move for Elliot Anderson is completed.
Spurs, therefore, are only likely to win the race for Tonali if no other teams make a concrete offer, meaning De Zerbi’s side will be keen to move fast and avoid drawn out negotiations over a fee.
Newcastle are unlikely to lower their asking price significantly for a key star with time on his contract, particularly knowing that Spurs risk losing out if they do not meet the asking price.
With other sides unlikely to make an approach before the end of the World Cup, the coming days and weeks will be crucial in Tottenham’s pursuit of Tonali as they look to complete a stunning coup of one of the most in-demand stars of the summer.
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