Sandro Tonali’s preferred destination has reportedly been revealed amid interest from Tottenham and a number of clubs in both England and Italy.
Tottenham Hotspur’s next set of transfers this summer window is expected to demand significant outlays.
The Lilywhites have already secured Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson on free transfers following the expiry of their contracts at Bournemouth and Liverpool.
Since then, Spurs have spent £52m on Jan Paul van Hecke and have now turned their attention to Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, who is expected to cost around £100m.
On Saturday evening, Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Newcastle want €85m (£74m) for Tonali, while Tottenham have offered around €75m (£65m). Spurs and Newcastle are said to now be in club-to-club talks, as confirmed by David Ornstein.
Arsenal named as Sandro Tonali’s preferred destination amid Tottenham interest
Securing a deal for Tonali will not be straightforward, with several clubs in the race. Manchester City, Arsenal and AC Milan have all been credited with interest in Tonali.
According to Sports Boom, Arsenal is understood to be the preferred destination for the Newcastle United man who is not short of suitors.
It is explained that while Tonali has a good relationship with Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi, he also has a huge respect for Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners were offered the chance to sign him in January, but nothing materialised. Reports now claim that if both Arsenal and Spurs reached an agreement with Newcastle, Tonali would choose Arsenal.
However, Arsenal are currently working on other options, and the longer their pursuit stalls, the higher Spurs’ chances of landing the Italian.
Fabrizio Romano’s update on Tottenham’s pursuit of Tonali
It is worth noting that Sports Boom’s report differs from what Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein have suggested.
Spurs Web relayed Romano’s update, with the Italian journalist stating: “My understanding is that, because Sandro Tonali is an important point of this video, an important point of this information (is that he is) keen on a move to Tottenham. Sandro Tonali is open to joining Tottenham.
“Sandro Tonali is ready to join Spurs even without European football, even after a terrible season for Tottenham Hotspur.”
Ornstein has also commented on the situation, explaining that Spurs are prepared to go above their wage structure to convince Tonali to join, as they look to persuade Newcastle to sell.