Tottenham have been mocked by fans after taking a rather unusual approach in their pursuit of Sandro Tonali — submitting the same £75 million bid a second time and simply asking Newcastle to reconsider, rather than tabling an improved offer.
Roberto De Zerbi is said to be a massive admirer of the Italian midfielder, who is also attracting interest from Manchester City and Arsenal. Tonali himself is open to leaving Newcastle after three seasons at the club and is understood to be keen on a move to London, according to the Mail.
Spurs had made encouraging progress in talks with Tonali’s representatives before lodging a £75 million offer last week. Newcastle rejected it outright, maintaining that a fee closer to £100 million would be required to part with one of their prized assets. Rather than coming back with a higher bid, Tottenham’s response was to ask the Magpies to have another think — and unsurprisingly, they were knocked back again.
Fans on social media were quick to pour scorn on the approach. “Sorry, they just bid the exact same amount and hoped for a different answer?” wrote one supporter. Another called it “might be one of the greatest transfer stories all summer,” while a third quipped “Spurs think they’re on Vinted.” A fourth added: “Not improving your offer but asking them to reconsider might be one of the funniest transfer moves of all time,” with a fifth grimly noting: “There is a reason why people call us ‘Spursy’ — laughing stock as always.”
Complicating matters further, Arsenal appear to be Tonali’s preferred destination should the Gunners firm up their interest. The north London rivals explored a deal in January and, while no concrete move has emerged this summer, the Mail reports that Tonali would jump at the chance to join them.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has also questioned whether Spurs would even be an attractive proposition for the midfielder. “Tottenham just avoided relegation,” Shearer said. “I get the attraction of London but going to Spurs who have finished so low over the last two years would be a surprise career move for Tonali in my eyes. I know Spurs have a new manager and that may be a pull for him, London obviously. But in terms of the football club, look where they have finished the last two years.”
With Newcastle standing firm, Arsenal lurking, and their own approach drawing ridicule, Tottenham face a significant test of resolve if they are to land one of the most coveted midfielders in world football.
