Tottenham Hotspur are pursuing a summer move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi identifying the Italy international as his primary transfer target.

De Zerbi, who guided Spurs to Premier League survival last season, has made upgrading his midfield a central pillar of the club's summer rebuild. Tonali fits the profile precisely — a technically gifted playmaker capable of controlling matches from the centre of the pitch.

Newcastle's firm stance

Newcastle United have no desire to part with Tonali, who signed a contract extension in 2024 while serving a 10-month gambling ban, keeping him at the club until 2029. Crucially, that deal contains no release clause, placing Newcastle in a commanding position in any potential negotiations.

The club would only consider a sale for an exceptional fee. Tonali is regarded as one of the Premier League's finest midfielders, and Newcastle are under no financial pressure to move him on.

Gordon already gone to Barcelona

Newcastle's summer has already seen significant departures. Anthony Gordon completed a £69 million switch to Barcelona, and Sky Sports News reported in April that Tonali — alongside Gordon and Tino Livramento — had expressed a general desire to seek a new challenge.

That reported openness to a move has naturally drawn interest. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United have all had Tonali near the top of their midfield shortlists. However, City have since shifted focus to Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, with a deal expected to exceed £100 million, while Manchester United have agreed terms with Atalanta for Ederson and are now in pursuit of West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes.

Spurs make their move

With City and United pivoting elsewhere, Tottenham see an opening. De Zerbi is expected to have considerable influence over recruitment this summer, and a successful move for Tonali would signal the club's commitment to building a squad worthy of competing at the top of the Premier League.

Anderson's blockbuster fee at Manchester City is likely to set the market tone for midfielders this window, making an already expensive position even harder to fill on the cheap. Spurs will need to move decisively — and spend heavily — if they are to land their top target.