Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing an ambitious move for Sandro Tonali as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.

The Italian midfielder has emerged as one of De Zerbi’s top transfer targets, with Spurs keen to add more creativity, composure and technical quality in the middle of the park following their successful battle against relegation last season.

De Zerbi is understood to be prioritising the recruitment of a midfielder capable of controlling games and dictating tempo, and believes Tonali possesses the qualities needed to become a key figure in Tottenham’s rebuild.

The pursuit would represent one of the club’s most ambitious transfer moves of the summer and signal Tottenham’s determination to back their manager in the market.

However, securing the signature of the Newcastle United F.C. star will be far from straightforward.

Newcastle are reluctant to part ways with Tonali, who remains an integral part of their long-term plans and is under contract until 2029. The midfielder signed his current deal in 2024 while serving a 10-month suspension for gambling offences.

Importantly, the contract does not contain a release clause, leaving Newcastle in a strong negotiating position and allowing them to demand a substantial transfer fee should any formal approach arrive.

Since returning from suspension, Tonali has re-established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders, combining defensive discipline with excellent passing range and tactical intelligence.

For Tottenham, landing the Italy international would be a major statement of intent and provide De Zerbi with the type of midfield orchestrator around whom he could build his team.

Whether Spurs can convince Newcastle to sell remains the biggest obstacle, but Tonali’s name is rapidly becoming one of the most intriguing stories of the summer transfer window.