Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Sandro Tonali underlines the level of ambition Spurs are trying to show this summer, although prising the Newcastle United midfielder away from St James’ Park will not come cheaply. We have now identified five players Spurs could include in a swap deal to land the Newcastle man.
Tottenham have yet to spend heavily during the current transfer window, with their only completed deals so far arriving via free transfers despite links to several high-profile targets.
Jan Paul van Hecke remains one of the players under the radar at Spurs, alongside Savinho, who Tottenham are reportedly looking to sign for £60m.
However, while talks continue over those potential arrivals, Spurs Web has relayed numerous reports confirming Tottenham’s interest in Tonali. The Newcastle United star has also attracted attention from Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City.
Reports claim it could take more than £85m to complete a deal for the Italy international, which would smash Tottenham’s current transfer record for a single signing.
Spurs may therefore need to explore creative solutions, including swap deals, if they are to convince Newcastle to sell.
Tottenham could use five players in Sandro Tonali negotiations
Spurs Web has now highlighted five players Tottenham could include in a swap deal if they are to convince Newcastle to sell Sandro Tonali.
Richarlison seems destined for a Tottenham exit
Newcastle United could do with another centre-forward heading into next season, given the disappointing campaigns endured by both Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa in the Premier League.
Wissa, who arrived for £55m, managed just one league goal all season, a significant drop-off from the numbers he produced during his time at Brentford, where he scored 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances the year before.
With injuries and inconsistency hurting Newcastle’s attacking options, Spurs could attempt to solve that issue by offering Richarlison as part of a deal. The Brazilian registered 11 goals and four assists in 32 league appearances last season.
Mathys Tel will want more minutes next season
Newcastle have recently lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona following an £80m transfer, leaving the Magpies short in wide areas.
That situation could allow Tottenham to use Mathys Tel as part of a potential deal for Tonali, with the Frenchman capable of strengthening Newcastle’s attack while helping Spurs land their midfield target.
Tel has attracted transfer interest from several clubs across Europe this summer. The forward currently holds a Transfermarkt valuation of €22m (£19m), meaning Tottenham would still need to pay a substantial fee on top to meet Newcastle’s reported £85m valuation for Tonali.
Radu Dragusin never quite got going at Tottenham
There is no denying Tottenham currently possess significant depth at centre-back, which could open the door for one or two departures before the window closes.
Radu Dragusin is one player who could potentially leave, especially with reported interest from clubs in Italy. However, Spurs may prefer using the Romania international in negotiations for Tonali rather than sanctioning a straightforward sale.
Spurs Web recently reported that Newcastle are among the clubs interested in AS Roma defender Evan Ndicka as they look to strengthen defensively amid Sven Botman’s injury issues.
With the Magpies searching for another centre-back, Tottenham could attempt to structure a swap-plus-cash proposal involving Dragusin.
Dominic Solanke has been linked with Newcastle
If Newcastle are not convinced by Richarlison, Tottenham could instead explore using Dominic Solanke in discussions over Tonali.
That may prove difficult for Newcastle to ignore, given the Magpies have previously been linked with Solanke themselves.
Solanke remains Tottenham’s current record signing, so including him in any agreement would significantly reduce the cash fee Spurs would need to pay.
Signed for £64m, the striker currently holds a Transfermarkt value of €28m (£24m), although Tottenham would likely still value him closer to £40m in any negotiations.
Conor Gallagher could be used as a transfer chip
Conor Gallagher could represent the closest thing to a direct midfield replacement should Tottenham push to include him in a deal for Tonali.
The England international possesses extensive Premier League experience and would arguably save Newcastle from needing to enter the market searching for another all-action midfielder.
Gallagher’s energy, work rate and defensive intensity would likely suit Eddie Howe’s side, making him a player Newcastle could realistically consider if Spurs pursue a swap arrangement for Tonali.