Tottenham could be just hours away from smashing their transfer record. Reports from Italy insist Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali has never been closer to joining the North London club.
After weeks of speculation, multiple Italian outlets are now presenting the move as entering its decisive stage.
According to Sky Italia, Gianluca Di Marzio and Calciomercato, Tottenham have submitted an improved offer worth just over €100m (£86m). This leaves Newcastle United to make a final decision.
The widespread feeling in Italy is that Spurs are now just ‘one step away’ from completing the signing.
Tottenham make decisive move
Sky Italia reports Tottenham have dramatically accelerated their pursuit of the Italy international. This happened after they decided to meet Newcastle’s demands.
An initial proposal worth between €80m (£69m) and €90m (£77m) was rejected by the Magpies. Spurs have now responded with a new bid worth around €100m (£86m). This is a figure the Italian broadcaster says is capable of satisfying Newcastle’s valuation.
Gianluca Di Marzio goes even further, stating Tonali and Tottenham “have never been this close” and that only Newcastle’s definitive response to the latest offer, described as being slightly above €100m (£86m), is now awaited.
Sky Italia echoes that sentiment, reporting the 26-year-old has never been closer to joining Roberto De Zerbi’s side and suggesting the operation could be finalised in the ‘next few hours’.
Should Newcastle give the green light, the deal would comfortably eclipse Tottenham’s current transfer record.
Roberto De Zerbi’s influence
Italian reports also explain why Tottenham have managed to move into such a strong position.
Calciomercato says De Zerbi has played a decisive role throughout the negotiations. Tonali already enjoys an excellent relationship with the Spurs head coach, as we have previously detailed.
The report also claims Tottenham have backed up their interest with a huge contract proposal. Tonali currently earns around €8m (£6.9m) net per season at Newcastle. Meanwhile, Spurs are said to have offered a salary rising to €12m (£10.3m) net annually.
Another factor behind Tottenham’s urgency is the presence of Manchester City in the background.
Calciomercato says Enzo Maresca’s side also showed strong interest in the midfielder. This prompted Spurs to accelerate negotiations and submit their improved offer before another rival could make a decisive move.
What happens next
Sandro Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023 for €60m (£52m), a move that made him one of the most expensive Italian footballers ever. Since arriving at St James’ Park, he has made 110 appearances, scored 10 goals and helped the Magpies lift the 2025 Carabao Cup.
Sky Italia points out that, if Tottenham’s move is completed, Tonali would become the most expensive Italian player in history, surpassing the previous record.
For now, though, everything depends on Newcastle. According to the Italian reports, Tottenham have done everything they can by moving beyond the €100m (£86m) mark.
The only remaining step is Newcastle’s final answer, with three major outlets now suggesting that response could arrive in the next few hours.
