Tottenham have hit a stumbling block in their chase for one of their top summer targets, with the player reportedly favouring a move to rivals Arsenal over a switch to Spurs.
It’s been a busy window for De Zerbi’s side, who have already wrapped up three major signings as the new boss stamps his authority on the squad. Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi have both arrived on free transfers, bringing Premier League experience and defensive solidity to a backline badly in need of it.
Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke is also on his way from Brighton in a £52 million deal — with the Seagulls having made two separate bids to land Spurs teenager Luka Vušković in what appears to be a swap of priorities between the two clubs.
With the defence bolstered and Pedro Porro tied down on a new long-term contract, Tottenham have now turned their attention to the engine room.
Midfield Hunt Intensifies
Despite already possessing quality in depth — Rodrigo Bentancur, Conor Gallagher, Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray among them — Spurs have been linked with João Palhinha, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali as De Zerbi eyes further upgrades.
Ornstein reports that De Zerbi is specifically keen on both Tonali and Fernandes. But landing the Newcastle man could be far from straightforward.
Tonali’s Arsenal Preference
According to SportsBoom, while De Zerbi has held positive talks with Tonali over a potential move to Spurs, the Italian international would choose Arsenal if both North London clubs came knocking. Arsenal’s interest surfaced earlier this year but failed to progress in January.
With the Gunners fresh off a Premier League title, competing in the Champions League, and Tonali’s known admiration for Mikel Arteta, the pull of the Emirates is understandable.
The Price Tag Problem
Even setting aside the preference issue, Tottenham face a brutal financial hurdle. Newcastle are reportedly demanding a staggering £120 million for Tonali — a figure that would smash Spurs’ existing transfer record by a considerable margin.
If Tottenham are truly serious about making Tonali a De Zerbi midfielder, the board faces a defining decision — one that could signal just how far the club’s ambitions truly stretch this summer.
