UMVA has learned that Tottenham is plotting an ambitious move to sign Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali, with the Italian international becoming their absolute primary target for the summer transfer window.
Having narrowly survived relegation by a single game last season, the North London side is looking to aggressively rebuild their squad, and Tonali has emerged as a key target. Spurs have already made a formal bid of around £80 million, but Newcastle has rejected the offer, holding out for a much higher package closer to €100 million.
Despite the initial rejection, Tottenham is not backing down, with the club's hierarchy prepared to return with a significantly improved secondary offer. Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham's manager, has long been an admirer of Tonali, viewing the 26-year-old midfielder as a foundational pillar for his dynamic new project in North London.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Tonali is open to joining Tottenham, with the pull of working with De Zerbi deeply intriguing the player. However, a major north London transfer battle is brewing, with Arsenal understood to be Tonali's absolute preference should they decide to firm up their interest.
Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal recruitment staff have been keeping close tabs on Tonali's situation for weeks, while Manchester City is also closely watching developments as they weigh up a midfield signing of their own. A move for Tonali would represent a massive statement of intent from Spurs, who are looking to compete at the top end of the table once again.
Landing Tonali would be one of Tottenham's biggest transfer coups in recent years, with the Newcastle star having established himself as one of the Premier League's most complete midfielders. With Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Jan Paul van Hecke already arriving this summer, signing Tonali would further underline Tottenham's ambition and provide De Zerbi with a genuine midfield leader around whom he can build his new-look side.
