This is not the first time Roberto De Zerbi has wanted to sign Sandro Tonali, and it appears that the Tottenham boss has always been a fan of the Newcastle midfielder.
Since Monday night, speculation linking Tonali with a move to Spurs has intensified, with the Lilywhites now making serious efforts to land the 26-year-old.
According to Fabrizio Romano, De Zerbi is the one pushing Tottenham to land the Newcastle man, with the pair having a close relationship since they are both from Brescia.
Romano added that Spurs want Tonali as the new star of their midfield, and are ready to showcase their ambition by winning the race for the former AC Milan man.
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi tried to take Sandro Tonali to Sassuolo
It turns out that De Zerbi has already spoken publicly about his admiration for the Italy international, having kept a keen eye on the midfielder since his days at Brescia.
During a 2023 interview, De Zerbi opened up on private comments he made about Tonali a year earlier. Had he stayed at Sassuolo beyond 2021, he would have wanted the Italian midfielder to join him.
Three years ago, De Zerbi told Bobo TV (as relayed by Sempre Milan): “I wanted to bring Tonali to Sassuolo, if I’d stayed, after his first year at AC Milan. I said, ‘Maybe they’ll fall for it, and I’ll bring him here.’ I saw him at Brescia and thought he was the player he proved to be.”
What does De Zerbi see in Tonali that some Spurs fans may be missing?
There is understandably some apprehension from Spurs fans on social media about spending big on the Newcastle midfielder.
Many have pointed out that Tonali’s passing stats at St James Park are far from elite, and are questioning whether he is the player that the Lilywhites need, given their struggles to progress the ball last season.
However, De Zerbi has seen the 26-year-old closely from his time in Brescia, and will have a much better idea of what he is capable of.
Perhaps the Italian feels that Tonali can be a much more expansive passer than Eddie Howe’s system at Newcastle demands him to be.