The North London transfer wars are heating up, and this time, it’s Tottenham making the first real move. According to multiple reports, Spurs have opened direct talks with Sandro Tonali’s representatives, putting them ahead of both Arsenal and Manchester City in the race for the Newcastle United midfielder.
The 26-year-old Italian international has been a key figure for Newcastle since his arrival from AC Milan, and his combination of box-to-box energy, defensive discipline, and tactical intelligence makes him one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League. But while Spurs have taken the initial step of engaging his camp, they have not yet contacted Newcastle to begin negotiations over a transfer fee. And that’s where things could get complicated.
Sources indicate that personal terms with Tonali are not expected to be a major hurdle. The real sticking point? The price tag. Newcastle, having invested heavily in Tonali and seen him develop into a fan favorite at St. James’ Park, are unlikely to let him go cheaply. With three years still left on his contract and Champions League ambitions to protect, the Magpies are in a strong negotiating position. Tottenham will need to put a substantial offer on the table — likely north of £70 million — to even get Newcastle’s attention.
Arsenal and Manchester City remain interested, but at this stage, neither has made the kind of contact that Tottenham has. For Gunners fans, this is an uneasy development. Mikel Arteta has made midfield reinforcement a priority this summer, and losing out on Tonali to their fiercest rivals would sting — especially given how close the two clubs are in the table.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are casting a wide net in their summer shopping. The Athletic reports that United have made inquiries about West Ham and Netherlands winger Crysencio Summerville. The 24-year-old scored his first international goal in the World Cup against Japan and looks increasingly like a player ready to step up to a bigger stage. The catch? His contract runs until 2029, and West Ham want around £50 million.
United’s pursuit of Summerville may also hinge on what happens with Marcus Rashford. Barcelona chose not to activate the buy clause in Rashford’s loan deal last season, but The Athletic notes there is still a £40 million clause available to all Premier League clubs except Liverpool and Manchester City. Several top-flight sides are interested, but Rashford reportedly prefers to stay at United rather than move to another English club. A transfer to a European side remains a possibility, however.
In other West Ham-related news, United have also eyed midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but balked at the £80 million price tag for the 21-year-old Portuguese talent. Whether that price drops by the end of the window remains to be seen.
Elsewhere in the transfer market: Nottingham Forest remain interested in Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi; Chelsea are targeting Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and may join Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for Moroccan sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi; and Sky Germany reports that both Manchester clubs could challenge Real Madrid for Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha.
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