Newcastle Reject Tottenham’s £80 Million Opening Bid for Sandro Tonali as De Zerbi Eyes Compatriot

Newcastle United have rejected a formal bid from Tottenham Hotspur for midfielder Sandro Tonali, with the north London club’s opening offer falling short of the Magpies’ valuation, according to reports from Sky Sport in Italy.

Tottenham submitted an initial offer in the region of £75-80 million to secure the Italian international’s services — a significant outlay, but one that Newcastle were unwilling to accept. The club has made clear to Tonali’s representatives that a transfer will only be sanctioned if their asking price is met in full, placing them in a strong negotiating position heading into the summer window.

The driving force behind Tottenham’s pursuit is new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who has long admired the 24-year-old’s qualities. De Zerbi, himself Italian, has tracked Tonali’s development since the midfielder’s formative years at Brescia and views him as a foundational figure for the project he is building at Spurs. While Tottenham had previously made informal contact with Tonali’s camp to assess his interest in a move, the formal approach to Newcastle this summer represents an escalation in their efforts to land a marquee signing for their new manager.

Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan and is contracted at St. James’ Park until 2029, having signed an extension during his 10-month ban from football for betting offences — a suspension that ran through the 2023-24 season. His return to form and consistency in the Premier League has made him one of the most coveted midfielders in England, and Newcastle appear determined not to sell below their valuation.

Tottenham are not the only club monitoring the situation. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Manchester City are all reportedly keeping a close watch on developments at Newcastle, with Manchester City said to be particularly attentive as the transfer saga continues to evolve. Arsenal’s interest is notable given previous reports linking the Gunners with a move for Tonali, particularly following injuries in their midfield.

Newcastle’s firm stance reflects a broader shift in the club’s transfer strategy under their Saudi-backed ownership, which has seen them resist pressure to sell key assets unless valuations are met. The club has invested significantly in assembling a competitive squad, and parting with a player of Tonali’s profile — especially one now under a long-term contract — is unlikely to happen without a fee that reflects his importance to the team.

For Tottenham, landing Tonali would represent a statement of intent under De Zerbi, who was appointed to bring a clear tactical identity to a side that finished the previous Premier League season without European qualification. The club’s ability to meet Newcastle’s demands will likely determine whether this pursuit progresses or stalls in the coming weeks.