Tottenham Hotspur have formally approached Newcastle United regarding midfielder Sandro Tonali, though their initial bid has been turned down.
The proposal is believed to be in the region of £80 million—roughly £30 million more than Newcastle paid AC Milan for the Italian in 2023.
Spurs have intensified their pursuit of the 26-year-old over the past week and have now made a formal move, aiming to beat rivals Manchester City and Arsenal to his signature.
Newcastle reject Spurs’ opening bid
Tonali is reportedly open to leaving St James’ Park this summer after Newcastle missed out on European qualification last season. However, Spurs’ interest comes despite back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.
Newcastle are said to be willing to part with Tonali but would demand a substantial fee for the Italy international—a stance reinforced by reports of Tottenham’s rejected offer.
Formal discussions between the clubs have now begun, with Spurs acting after learning of Tonali’s readiness to join and work under fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the rejected bid was always ‘part of the plan’, and talks are officially ongoing.
Romano tweeted: “THFC determined to get the deal done. Spurs keep pushing. De Zerbi wants him.”
Another departure on the cards at Newcastle?
Newcastle have already sanctioned one high-profile exit this summer, with Anthony Gordon joining Barcelona for £70 million.
Focus now shifts to Tonali, while the Magpies are still dealing with the fallout from their failed attempt to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna—a deal that collapsed when the winger chose Liverpool instead.
Tonali’s agent, Beppe Riso, has previously spoken publicly about the likelihood of a summer move. In March, The Gazette reported that Tonali’s camp believe there is a gentleman’s agreement allowing him to leave if Newcastle failed to secure European football.
Ultimately, the outcome will hinge on price—and whether Spurs or another suitor are willing to submit an offer that Newcastle deem acceptable. Following the rejection of an initial £80 million bid, the Magpies are thought to be holding out for a figure closer to £100 million before they seriously consider a sale.
Should that threshold be met, Newcastle would have offloaded Alexander Isak, Gordon, and Tonali within 12 months for a combined total of around £300 million. The key challenge, however, will be how effectively that money is reinvested.
