The race for Sandro Tonali just took a turn that caught just about everyone off guard. While Arsenal and Manchester City have been circling the Newcastle midfielder for weeks, it’s Tottenham Hotspur — a club that nearly tumbled into relegation — that now looks like the frontrunner. According to David Ornstein, Spurs are the “most advanced over a proposed deal” for the 26-year-old Italy international, with manager Roberto De Zerbi pushing hard to make him a statement signing.
What’s driving this sudden charge? De Zerbi, the Italian manager who took over at Spurs amid a chaotic season, sees Tonali as the kind of high-level presence that can reshape his midfield. And the Tottenham ownership is backing him. Sources say positive talks have already been held with Tonali’s camp — though no club-to-club negotiations with Newcastle have started yet. The asking price, believed to be as high as £100 million, has been a sticking point for most suitors, but Spurs appear undeterred.
How United Slowed, and Others Stepped In
Manchester United had Tonali high on their list as they look to replace Casemiro, who is expected to leave after a resurgent campaign. With a £39 million deal already in place for Atalanta’s Ederson and talks ongoing for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, United still lack the top-tier defensive midfielder they need. Tonali was considered an ideal fit — Michael Carrick is said to be a huge admirer — but the price tag made United pull back. That hesitation allowed rivals to move ahead.
Now, United are watching from behind. Elliot Anderson is nearing a move to Manchester City. Aurélien Tchouaméni appears set to stay at Real Madrid under the returning José Mourinho. And Tonali? The door is closing fast, with multiple clubs now in the mix.
The Milan Factor That Could Change Everything
Here’s where it gets complicated. AC Milan — the club Tonali left for Newcastle in a £60 million move in 2023 — has re-entered the picture. Ruben Amorim, the former Manchester United boss, has agreed to take over at the San Siro on a two-year deal with an option for a third. That appointment signals a new era for the Rossoneri, who just sacked manager Max Allegri, CEO Giorgio Furlani, and other key figures after missing Champions League qualification.
TEAMtalk reports that Tonali’s preference, if he leaves Tyneside this summer, is a return to Milan. The Rossoneri even have what’s being described as a “pathway” to a cut-price deal, thanks to outstanding payments Newcastle owe from previous transfers for Tonali and defender Malick Thiaw. With stability returning under Amorim and a new sporting director in Markus Krösche close to being finalized, Milan’s interest is very real.
Tonali himself is said to be keeping a close eye on developments at St. James’ Park. And while the chaos at Milan was a concern, the new leadership — and the chance to return to familiar ground — may tip the scales.
What’s Stopping the Deal from Happening?
Newcastle signed Tonali from AC Milan in 2023 for around £60 million, so they hold significant leverage. The £100 million asking price has scared off some, but Tottenham’s willingness to spend — after nearly being relegated — shows how much they believe Tonali could transform their fortunes. Still, no official bid has been made, and Newcastle are in no rush to sell.
There’s also the question of position. Tonali has played both as a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box midfielder, but United’s priority is a pure defensive No. 6 — the kind of anchor who can complement Kobbie Mainoo the way Casemiro did. Neither Ederson nor Mateus Fernandes fits that mold naturally, and Tonali’s best role isn’t as a pure destroyer either. That’s a concern Carrick’s staff have noted internally.
With Tottenham pushing hard, Milan lurking with a possible discount, and interest from Arsenal and Manchester City still simmering, United may find themselves priced out and positioned poorly. The summer window is still open, but for Tonali, the clock is ticking fast.
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