Tottenham Hotspur have identified Sandro Tonali as a priority target this summer as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to reshape his squad following the club's battle against Premier League relegation.

The Italy international, contracted to Newcastle United until 2029, is one of the most coveted midfielders in English football — and the Magpies have no intention of making his departure easy. Newcastle's strong negotiating position is reinforced by the absence of a release clause in the deal Tonali signed in 2024, meaning any club hoping to land him will need to produce an extraordinary offer.

Spurs making a statement

Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge describes Tottenham's pursuit of Tonali as "a real statement of intent." Club executives Vinai Venkatesham and non-executive chairman Peter Charrington publicly committed to backing De Zerbi in the transfer market, and the move for Tonali reflects that promise in the boldest possible way.

De Zerbi is considered an unusually hands-on head coach for Spurs, and his demands are clear: he wants marquee signings. Newcastle would realistically require a fee in the region of £80 million — possibly more — before even considering a sale.

Bridge draws a comparison with Arsenal's £100 million acquisition of Declan Rice, arguing that a similar investment in Tonali could transform Tottenham's midfield and lift the club to an entirely different level. Spurs have already moved swiftly elsewhere, completing deals for Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, while also registering interest in Brighton & Hove Albion's Jan Paul van Hecke and Manchester City winger Savinho.

Newcastle's reluctance to sell

Sky Sports News reporter Mark McAdam stresses that Newcastle United regard Tonali as their prized asset and would only entertain a sale in the face of a truly seismic offer. Several Premier League clubs and a number of European sides have monitored the Italian, with Manchester City and Arsenal both identified as admirers — yet very few could realistically meet Newcastle's financial demands.

Beyond the fee, McAdam highlights Tonali's versatility as a key concern for any club attempting to replace him. The midfielder can operate in multiple roles across the centre of the pitch, offering both technical excellence and the ability to dictate play — precisely the profile De Zerbi is seeking to complete his Spurs rebuild.

Why Tonali might consider the move

Bridge acknowledges that London could be a factor in any potential decision by Tonali. He notes that the Italian found the transition to Newcastle a difficult one when he first arrived, though he has committed fully to the club — particularly during the 10-month gambling ban he served before signing his current contract in 2024. Tottenham's renewed ambition and the pull of the capital could make for a compelling proposition.

A new era taking shape at Newcastle

McAdam draws a parallel between this summer and the transformational January 2022 transfer window under manager Eddie Howe — a period that effectively launched a new era at St James' Park. He suggests the coming months will bring a significant squad refresh, with Newcastle pivoting toward younger, more affordable players who can be developed over time, rather than the £50 million to £70 million profiles they pursued last summer.

Howe's ambitions remain high — European football and deep cup runs are still the target — but McAdam believes Newcastle fans may need to temper their expectations slightly as the club embarks on what amounts to another rebuild.