Sandro Tonali has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe this summer, attracting serious interest from multiple Premier League heavyweights.
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are both actively in talks with the Italian’s camp, according to respected transfer journalist Ben Jacobs.
Newcastle are bracing themselves for a full-scale bidding war as rival clubs intensify their pursuit of the midfielder’s signature.
New Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly identified his compatriot as a top target to rebuild the North London club’s midfield this summer.
Manchester City, meanwhile, view Tonali as an ideal elite midfielder to add supreme tactical depth to their engine room ahead of next season.
Arsenal also remain in the picture after making enquiries back in January and are still assessing their midfield options for the summer window.
Jacobs shared his update on X, stating: “Newcastle braced for bids for Sandro Tonali and expecting multiple suitors. Spurs and Manchester City both in talks. Arsenal enquired in January and are still assessing midfield options for this summer. A return to Italy very unlikely due to cost, even though Tonali wants to play in Serie A again one day. Newcastle looking for around £100m including add-ons.”
Despite his personal desire to one day return to Serie A, a move back to Italy is considered very unlikely given the financial demands Newcastle will place on any interested party.
Newcastle are holding a firm negotiating stance and will demand around £100m including add-ons before allowing the midfielder to leave St James’ Park.
Any club hoping to land Tonali will need to break significant transfer records, underlining just how highly the Magpies value their midfield cornerstone.
Tonali has made 110 appearances for Newcastle across all competitions since his arrival from AC Milan, contributing 10 goals and 10 assists during that time.
His technical qualities make him one of the most complete central midfielders in the Premier League, boasting a passing accuracy of 84.4% and registering 71 accurate long balls last season alone.
Those numbers place him firmly among the upper tier of deep-lying playmakers operating across the entire European game this season.
Whichever club ultimately wins the race for his signature will be making a statement signing that significantly strengthens their midfield department heading into next season.
