Manchester City are weighing up a move for Sandro Tonali, the Newcastle United midfielder coveted by Tottenham Hotspur, as incoming manager Enzo Maresca looks to reshape the club's midfield ahead of next season.
City's interest comes alongside their ongoing pursuit of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest — and Sky Sports News understands the club are open to completing deals for both players in the same transfer window.
City's midfield rebuild gathers pace
The arrival of Maresca at the Etihad — once compensation terms are finalised — follows Pep Guardiola's decision to step down at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. The new head coach is expected to reshape the squad significantly, with midfield reinforcement a clear priority.
Bernardo Silva's departure to Real Madrid on a free transfer this week has added urgency to City's plans, while reports also link Rodri with a move to the Bernabeu. Anderson remains City's primary midfield target, with negotiations continuing despite an initial bid being rejected by Nottingham Forest. The deal is expected to cost in excess of £100m — potentially as high as the £125m Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer if Forest hold firm for a British-record fee.
Tonali, who is contracted to Newcastle until 2029 and has no release clause in his deal — signed in 2024 while serving a 10-month gambling ban — would command a significant fee. Newcastle have made clear they have no intention of selling the Italy international cheaply.
Spurs' pursuit of Tonali
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has identified Tonali as his marquee summer signing. After guiding Spurs to Premier League survival, De Zerbi is intent on building a squad capable of dictating play in midfield, and Tonali fits that profile precisely.
The 24-year-old has drawn interest from Arsenal and Manchester United in addition to City and Spurs, underlining his status as one of the Premier League's elite midfielders. A move to Tottenham, the club's hierarchy believe, would signal a genuine statement of intent to back De Zerbi's vision.
Spurs have already secured the free agent arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, and have agreed a £52m deal for Jan Paul van Hecke.
Sky Sports News reported in April that Tonali — along with Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento — may be open to a new challenge. Gordon has since completed a £69m move to Barcelona.
City's wider transfer plans
Beyond the midfield, City are targeting a striker and a right-back to round out their summer business. Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi features on their forward shortlist, while RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande — a 19-year-old attracting widespread European interest — is also monitored.
At right-back, Feyenoord's Givairo Read is being closely watched, with Tino Livramento of Newcastle another option previously considered. Goalkeeper James Trafford's future also remains unresolved after a limited role last season following Gianluigi Donnarumma's arrival on Deadline Day.
