Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a club-record offer worth around £100 million for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as Roberto De Zerbi steps up plans to transform his midfield ahead of the new Premier League season.
Spurs have made the Italy international one of their top transfer priorities this summer and have been working behind the scenes on a deal for several weeks. Their opening proposal, reportedly worth around £75 million, was rejected by Newcastle, who have consistently valued Tonali at close to £100 million.
Tottenham are now ready to return with an improved bid that would comfortably eclipse the club’s previous transfer record. Sources indicate the North London side have also prepared a lucrative long-term contract that would more than double Tonali’s current wages at St James’ Park in an effort to convince him to make the move.
De Zerbi is understood to view Tonali as the ideal player to anchor his new-look midfield. The pair share Italian roots, and the Tottenham manager believes the 26-year-old possesses the leadership, technical ability and tactical intelligence needed to elevate the team back into contention for European qualification.
Encouraging discussions with Tonali’s representatives have boosted Spurs’ confidence. Reports suggest the midfielder is open to joining Tottenham if the two clubs can reach an agreement, although Newcastle remain determined to retain one of their most influential players.
The Magpies have repeatedly insisted they do not want to sell Tonali, who remains under contract until 2029. However, growing interest from several leading clubs has increased speculation over his future. Arsenal and Manchester City continue to monitor the situation while assessing alternative midfield targets, including Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle are also aware that AC Milan would welcome the chance to bring Tonali back to Serie A, although the Italian club are unlikely to compete financially with Tottenham should a bidding war develop.
For Tottenham, the pursuit of Tonali reflects the club’s ambition under De Zerbi. After a disappointing domestic campaign, Spurs are expected to make several significant additions before the transfer window closes, with midfield identified as the area most in need of strengthening. Alongside Tonali, the club continue to pursue West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes as part of an extensive rebuild.
Tonali has established himself as one of Europe’s top midfielders since joining Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023. The Italy international has made more than 75 Premier League appearances and remains a regular for his national team, combining defensive discipline with excellent passing ability and leadership qualities.
Whether Newcastle are prepared to sanction such a high-profile departure remains uncertain. But with Tottenham now poised to test their resolve with a £100 million bid, one of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas appears set to enter a decisive stage.
