Tottenham Hotspur are ready to step up their pursuit of Sandro Tonali as Roberto De Zerbi looks to strengthen his midfield ahead of his first full season in charge of the North London club.
The Italian international has emerged as one of Spurs’ top transfer targets this summer, with De Zerbi determined to build his new-look side around the Newcastle United midfielder.
Interest in Tonali has been ongoing for several weeks, and Tottenham have already held positive discussions with the player’s representatives while exploring the framework of a potential deal. However, convincing Newcastle to part ways with one of their most influential stars remains the biggest challenge.
Spurs previously submitted an offer worth around £80 million, but Newcastle quickly rejected the proposal. The Magpies are understood to value Tonali considerably higher and have no desire to lose a player they see as central to their long-term plans.
Since arriving from AC Milan, Tonali has established himself as one of the Premier League’s elite midfielders. His composure on the ball, defensive intelligence and ability to dictate the tempo of matches have made him a key figure in Eddie Howe’s team.
The 26-year-old has also continued to impress for Italy, producing a series of assured performances on the international stage that have further enhanced his reputation as one of Europe’s finest central midfielders.
Following the rejection of their opening bid, Tottenham are now preparing to return with a significantly improved offer.
According to transfer journalist Graeme Bailey, Spurs are ready to submit a sensational proposal worth around £100 million in an attempt to prise Tonali away from St James’ Park.
De Zerbi reportedly views the midfielder as the marquee signing of his squad rebuild and wants him to become the focal point of Tottenham’s midfield for years to come.
A deal of that size would comfortably eclipse Tottenham’s previous transfer record and demonstrate the club’s intent under their new manager, with Newcastle’s reported valuation believed to be around the £100 million mark.
Tonali’s playing style is said to be one of the main reasons behind De Zerbi’s determination to sign him. Reports have even suggested the Italian coach admired the former Serie A star during his managerial spell in Italy, highlighting just how highly he rates the midfielder.
During the 2025/26 season, Tonali made 53 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals and seven assists while remaining one of Newcastle’s standout performers despite the club’s inconsistent campaign.
Nevertheless, Newcastle remain under little pressure to sell. Tonali is tied to a long-term contract and has become one of the first names on Eddie Howe’s teamsheet, regularly featuring in the club’s biggest fixtures and earning praise for his leadership, consistency and maturity.
For Tottenham, securing his signature would represent a major statement of intent after a summer focused on reinforcing the spine of the squad. De Zerbi is eager to add greater creativity, control and authority in midfield, with Tonali viewed as the ideal player to transform that area of the pitch.
Although Spurs have also been linked with younger midfield talents, including West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, Tonali remains the club’s priority target.
Bailey’s latest update suggests Tottenham are now prepared to move beyond preliminary talks and their initial bid by launching an offer that could reach £100 million.
Whether that figure will be enough to convince Newcastle to sell remains to be seen, but Spurs’ determination to land the Italian appears stronger than ever as they continue pushing for one of the biggest signings in the club’s history before the new season gets underway.
