Tottenham are preparing for another major push in their pursuit of Sandro Tonali as Roberto De Zerbi continues reshaping his midfield ahead of his first full Premier League season in charge.
Spurs have made the Italy international one of their leading transfer priorities during the summer window.
Tottenham’s interest in Tonali has been widely reported for several weeks, with discussions also taking place with the midfielder’s representatives as the club explores the conditions of a potential deal.
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Those talks are understood to have been positive, although the biggest obstacle remains Newcastle’s determination to get top dollar for one of their most important players.
Tottenham have already tested Newcastle’s resolve with an offer worth around £80 million.
Offer made: Tottenham submit £65m up front bid to sign “quick” player
Spurs are determined to back Roberto De Zerbi.
That proposal was rejected, with the Magpies believed to value Tonali significantly higher as they look to build around him for the future.
The 26-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders since arriving from AC Milan.
His ability to dictate tempo, win possession and progress the ball through midfield has made him a central figure in Eddie Howe’s side.
Tonali has also carried that form onto the international stage with Italy, producing a series of composed displays in midfield and reinforcing his reputation as one of Europe’s elite central midfielders.
After the Lilywhites’ opening offer was rebuffed, reports now share how far Spurs are ready to go.
Spurs prepare £100m Tonali bid
According to transfer journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are now ready to make a ‘sensational’ offer worth around £100 million for Tonali.
De Zerbi is said to view the Newcastle star as the ‘marquee signing’ of his midfield rebuild and wants him to become the centrepiece of Tottenham’s new-look side.
That would represent the biggest transfer in Spurs’ history and underline the club’s ambition under their new manager, with £100m widely reported to be Newcastle’s asking price.
Why De Zerbi wants to sign Sandro Tonali for Tottenham
Tonali’s profile is believed to be a major factor in De Zerbi’s thinking, with the Italian also believed to have targeted the ex-Serie A star during his time at Sassuolo (BBC).
Taking this into account, it is pretty clear De Zerbi is the one really pushing for Tonali behind-the-scenes.
Tonali made 53 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign, contributing three goals and seven assists from midfield despite Newcastle’s struggles under Eddie Howe.
Newcastle, however, remain in a strong position.
Tonali is under a long-term contract and has become one of the first names on Howe’s teamsheet.
He started the majority of Newcastle’s biggest matches last season and was regularly praised for his leadership and maturity in midfield.
For Tottenham, the move would represent a significant statement after a summer focused on upgrading the spine of the team.
De Zerbi is understood to want more control and creativity in central areas, with Tonali viewed as a player capable of transforming the balance of the side.
Spurs have also been linked with younger midfield options during the window, like West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, but Tonali is regarded as the standout target.
Bailey’s latest update suggests Tottenham are now preparing to move beyond exploratory talks and previous bids with a proposal that could reach the £100 million mark.
Whether that will be enough to convince Newcastle to sell remains uncertain, but Tottenham’s determination to land Tonali appears stronger than ever as De Zerbi pushes for a major addition before the new season begins.
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The Lilywhites are chasing a mega-money deal for the Italian.
