Tottenham Hotspur are plotting an audacious move to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side endured a difficult season, collecting just 11 points from his first seven games in charge before ultimately finishing 17th in the Premier League for the second consecutive year.
Despite narrowly avoiding relegation, Spurs have moved quickly in the transfer market to build a squad capable of far greater ambitions under De Zerbi next season.
The club have already confirmed several signings, including the free transfers of Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth and Andy Robertson from Liverpool.
Tottenham have also reportedly held talks with Brighton and Hove Albion over a move for Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke as they continue to reshape their squad.
Midfield is now firmly in focus, with De Zerbi said to have identified Tonali as the “ideal” option to strengthen that area of the pitch.
Romano reports that Spurs are the latest club to enter the race for the 26-year-old Italian international, who has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders.
However, Tottenham face significant competition, with Arsenal and Manchester City also showing strong interest in securing the former AC Milan man’s services.
The departure of Yves Bissouma on a free transfer after four years at the club has left a clear void in Tottenham’s midfield that De Zerbi is eager to fill with a marquee addition.
Tonali’s statistics from last season underline why he is so highly regarded, having completed 84.4% of his passes along with 71 long balls as evidence of his technical quality.
His defensive output is equally impressive, with the Italian winning 107 duels, making 147 recoveries, and completing 257 defensive actions across the campaign.
Those numbers suggest Tonali is a natural fit for De Zerbi’s possession-based, high-intensity system that demands hard work both on and off the ball from every player.
While Tonali’s precise valuation is not confirmed in Romano’s report, competition from multiple top clubs is expected to push the fee beyond his £69m Transfermarkt valuation.
Tottenham’s ambition to sign Tonali ahead of both Arsenal and Manchester City would represent one of the most striking transfer statements of the summer window.