Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as serious contenders for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, adding their name to a growing list of clubs monitoring the Italian international.

Manager Roberto de Zerbi has long held an admiration for Tonali, having identified him as a transfer target during his tenure at Sassuolo — when Tonali was still making his name in Serie A. Now at Spurs, de Zerbi has reportedly pushed the club to explore the financial viability of a deal for the 26-year-old.

Manchester City and Arsenal have also registered an interest, as previously reported, but no club has yet submitted a formal bid to Newcastle.

Newcastle's strong negotiating position

Newcastle are not under pressure to sell. Tonali is contracted until 2030 after signing a new deal during his 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations — a gesture Newcastle made to show faith in the player, and one he has publicly sought to repay.

Chief executive David Hopkinson has been clear that the club will only part with players on their terms. Newcastle have already secured £69.3m from Barcelona for forward Anthony Gordon, and the broader transfer market could strengthen their hand further if a bidding war develops.

Nottingham Forest recently rejected a second bid worth roughly £120m from Manchester City for Elliot Anderson, while relegated West Ham are holding out for up to £80m for Mateus Fernandes — figures that illustrate just how inflated the current market for midfielders has become.

Why Tonali appeals — and why it won't be easy

In his most productive Premier League season to date — 2024-25 — Tonali demonstrated he is far more than a technically gifted passer. He won possession back in midfield on 109 occasions, made 34 interceptions, and logged 1,308 high-pressure movements across the campaign.

Even head coach Eddie Howe, typically measured in his assessments, once admitted he