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Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Sandro Tonali only wanted to join Tottenham this summer, despite reports linking the Newcastle United midfielder with Arsenal and Manchester City.
Transfer experts have ruled out suggestions of a true three-way battle, insisting the Italian international had Tottenham as his preferred destination from the start.
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Fabrizio Romano: ‘Sandro Tonali only wanted Tottenham’
Romano explained on his YouTube channel that speculation surrounding Arsenal and Manchester City in no way reflects reality.
According to an Italian journalist, Tonali was quick to give the go-ahead after Tottenham made an approach, with Roberto De Zerbi’s project proving decisive.
“I have never come here to say that Tonali doesn’t want to go to Tottenham, neither about Man City nor about his interest in Arsenal,” Romano said flatly.
“Many said Tonali preferred Arsenal or Manchester City, but Tonali’s preference was clear from day one.”
According to Romano, Tonali’s steadfastness was quickly established when the first exclusive was published on June 15th.
The midfielder was given the green light by Spurs immediately due to his deep tactical trust in manager Roberto De Zerbi and his belief in the club’s long-term project.
Personal terms were finalized that afternoon, formalizing negotiations between the clubs over the next two weeks, with an advance payment of £92.5 million and additional fees of £7.5 million finalized.
Tonali agreed personal terms with Tottenham on June 15 and negotiations took two weeks, but an agreement has now been reached. This is a record signing for Tottenham. Two days ago I talked about the record contract for (Matisse) Fernandes — it was £85 million. 48 hours later, Sandro Tonali signed a new record contract for £92.5m, plus £7.5m in add-ons. Sandro Tonali’s move to Tottenham was worth £100m, making him the most expensive Italian player in the history of the game.
Sandro Tonali’s transfer to Tottenham is now over and it’s time for his medical and contract signing. Newcastle accepted the offer and all was said and done.
Sandro Tonali set to become Tottenham’s highest-paid player
With a record-breaking £100m total, Tonali isn’t just breaking the club’s transfer record. He is also looking to completely rewrite the financial hierarchy at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
According to Football Paparazzi, Tonali is set to become Tottenham’s highest-paid player on a staggering £275,000-a-week.
The lucrative six-year contract represents a huge financial commitment from the club’s leadership.
Following the £85m arrival of Matheus Fernandes, who breached the historic salary cap for the second time in 48 hours, Spurs are willing to give De Zerbi the huge financial backing he needs to rebuild a strong side that can compete for a top-four spot after finishing 17th for the second year in a row.
Tottenham’s transfer fee under manager Roberto de Zerbi
Tonali is Spurs’ new big-name signing in an unusual summer transfer window.
As well as agreeing deals for Tonali and Fernandes, the north London club strengthened their defense with the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke for £52 million, while Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka also arrived on free transfers.
One of the Premier League’s most ambitious recruitment campaigns is underway, with Tottenham keen to re-establish themselves among the Premier League’s elite under De Zerbi ahead of the 2026/27 season.
