Tottenham have thrown themselves into one of the summer’s biggest transfer battles. Roberto De Zerbi wants Sandro Tonali, and Spurs are now concrete competitors for the Newcastle midfielder. Arsenal and Manchester City both standing in their way. None of that, apparently, deters them.

De Zerbi’s Statement of Intent

This move carries serious symbolic weight. Tottenham only avoided relegation on the final day of last season. Chasing a £100 million midfielder against Champions League clubs signals something bold. A message. A shift in ambition. De Zerbi clearly has full backing from the board.

The Italian boss sees Tonali as the perfect engine for his rebuild. Premier League proven, physically dominant, and comfortable operating as both a six and an eight. Exactly the composure and steel Spurs’ midfield lacked so visibly last season. Crucially, Tonali himself appears open to the move. Despite Spurs offering no European football next season, the player reportedly finds De Zerbi’s project genuinely attractive. That personal interest changes everything.

Arsenal have called for weeks, pushing hard to land the 26-year-old. Manchester City hold interest, though Elliot Anderson remains their priority. Juventus and AC Milan lurk from afar. Yet none of that has stopped Spurs from entering decisively.

Newcastle, for their part, hold firm. No bids received yet, and no intention of selling below £100 million. Their own failure to qualify for European football weakens their negotiating position slightly. Still, the asking price won’t move.

For Tonali, the decision ultimately rests on project and ambition rather than trophies alone. If De Zerbi convinces him Spurs are genuinely heading somewhere, that could prove decisive in a race nobody expected Tottenham to enter.