Tottenham Move Fast to Avoid Repeating Last Season’s NightmareS, purs are wasting no time ensuring the turmoil of 2025/26 is never revisited.
Roberto De Zerbi pulled off a remarkable feat by keeping a weakened Tottenham side in the Premier League, and the club’s hierarchy has rewarded him with sweeping authority over football decisions, underpinned by a generous new contract. His fingerprints on the transfer window are already visible.
Some targets — including Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and winger Savinho — were on the club’s radar before De Zerbi even walked through the door. But the Italian’s own wish list is now taking shape, with centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke among his priorities. And according to Fabrizio Romano, there is now a major new addition to that list that few saw coming.
Tottenham have entered the race to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. The 26-year-old has previously drawn interest from Manchester City and Arsenal, but De Zerbi is keen to make an early statement in north London. Spurs smell an opportunity, with Newcastle set to miss out on European football next season and reportedly weighing a squad shake-up following Anthony Gordon’s departure. That said, Newcastle would demand a massive fee — and if City or Arsenal moved seriously for Tonali, Spurs would struggle to match that financial firepower.
For now, City’s attention appears to be focused on Elliot Anderson, while Arsenal are expected to prioritise reinforcing their left flank.
What gives this story an extra dimension is the personal connection. De Zerbi hails from Brescia — the very club where Tonali came through the academy and made his professional debut. Though Tonali was born in nearby Lodi, the regional bond is real, and journalist Matteo Moretto has reported that the midfielder would be open to reuniting with De Zerbi.
With Newcastle supporters bracing for his exit, there is a growing belief that Tonali could be drawn to De Zerbi’s vision — one in which the Italian midfielder may well be the centrepiece of Spurs’ entire rebuild.
