Tottenham pushing hardest
Tottenham are making the running for Sandro Tonali. Talks continue with Newcastle, and there is a growing sense the Italian midfielder is open to working under Roberto De Zerbi in north London.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Spurs are optimistic about where the player's head is at. That does not mean a deal is straightforward. Newcastle have already knocked back a formal offer worth around £80m, and negotiations remain ongoing at club level.
The Magpies want more than £100m, which tells you how highly they still rate the former AC Milan man.
City and Arsenal watching
Manchester City and Arsenal are both interested, but it is Tottenham who are pushing hardest at this stage. The De Zerbi factor is believed to be significant in Tonali's thinking, and it is not hard to see why. The Spurs manager builds his sides around technical midfielders who can control games, break lines and play under pressure.
Tonali ticks every box. Aggressive, composed on the ball, experienced at the highest level with Milan, Newcastle and Italy. For Spurs, this would be a statement — a sign they are serious about building a midfield capable of competing near the top.
This pursuit is separate from their interest in Mateus Fernandes, with Spurs and Manchester United both talking to West Ham. That suggests Tottenham are not looking for one midfielder but planning a wider rebuild.
Tonali has the quality and Premier League experience to transform their midfield quickly. The risk is the price. Paying over £100m is a huge commitment, especially when there are other areas to strengthen. But if De Zerbi sees him as the player to shape his midfield around, Tottenham may decide this is the deal worth stretching for.
For Newcastle, selling would hurt. For Spurs, landing Tonali ahead of City and Arsenal would be one of the biggest moves of the summer.