Earlier this week we reported Sandro Tonali was moving towards Tottenham. That picture has changed. Manchester City are now seriously in the race, and Arsenal are also being linked, which turns a Spurs lead into a three-way fight over a summer 2026 move.
Why City changes the market
The strongest new detail is City’s stance. Graeme Bailey said: “I am told City made it clear during the process that they don't see Tonali as some sort of alternative to Elliot Anderson – ideally they want both.” That matters because it is not a case of City entering the chase as a backup option. They are pushing for Tonali and Elliot Anderson at the same time.
Fabrizio Romano has also put the price in heavy territory, saying: “The understanding is that it could take around €100million package to sign Sandro Tonali, so around £85million.” That is still being discussed as an asking price or package estimate, not a confirmed fee, but it is enough to explain why the race now feels more like a market test than a simple negotiation.
Newcastle's position is stronger than it was
There is also less urgency around Newcastle than there might have been before. The club are set for a £60 million cash injection from a KNOX Hydration sponsorship agreement, which softens the idea that they are under pressure to sell quickly. Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League on 49 points, so they are not in a position where a Tonali sale has to be forced out of necessity.
Tonali’s own form keeps him in the centre of the conversation. He has a 7.0 rating in his last five Premier League appearances and played 420 minutes across those matches. That is the kind of output that keeps elite clubs interested, even if Newcastle are less exposed financially than some assumed.
The Spurs angle still makes sense, though it is not the only one anymore. Tottenham finished 17th last season and conceded 57 goals in 38 league matches, so a major midfield addition fits the scale of their rebuild. But once Manchester City enter the picture, Tottenham are no longer trying to close one deal. They are trying to win a fight against a club that can outspend almost anyone, and City’s interest in Tonali alongside Anderson makes that clear.
Gabriel Agbonlahor was blunt about the optics, saying: “Why would Tonali want to go to a top 17 side? They are not a top-six side anymore, Spurs. They are really not.” That is harsh, but it reflects the reality Spurs are working against. City’s involvement changes the race, and Newcastle’s financial cushion makes it harder for anyone to assume a quick exit.
Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →