The structure of the deal sees Spurs ready to pay an initial 92.5m to Newcastle, with a further 7.5m due in add-ons. Tottenham had earlier seen an offer of around 80m turned down, but the new package is set to be accepted. Tonali will surpass Mateus Fernandes, who joined from West Ham for 85m, as Spurs' record signing.

Tonali was seen at Milan airport on Thursday before travelling to North London, where the Italy international is expected to complete medical checks and sign contracts. The agreement would make Tonali Tottenham's sixth incoming player of the current window. Spurs are reshaping the squad under De Zerbi, and the club view the midfield as a key area for reinforcement.

Since leaving AC Milan for Newcastle United in 2023, Tonali has played 110 matches in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists. The 26-year-old contributed to a major moment in Newcastle's modern history, helping the club end a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy by beating Liverpool 2-1 in the 2024-25 EFL Cup final at St. James' Park.

Tonali explained that the decision to move came after long discussions with Newcastle and careful reflection about the next step. "We've decided to change, we're ready for this new adventure,Tonali told reporters. It was a bit long, we had a sort of agreement with Newcastle, we talked about it every day and then got it done. They wanted the best for me, we wanted to get the best deal for them. We parted on great terms, we're all happy, and I'm ready for this new adventure."

Interest in Tonali was not limited to Tottenham, with Spurs' rivals Arsenal also reportedly monitoring the situation. However, the midfielder highlighted a key conversation with Roberto De Zerbi as central to the final choice. "Let's say that Roberto De Zerbi did a great job, he had a big impact on all this, Tonali added. It is a life choice for my family, because we come from three years in Newcastle, and our lives changed with our child's birth. So we decided to change a bit. De Zerbi made a great difference. He did his job, and he did it very well."

Sandro Tonali Tottenham transfer and summer business

Tottenham's pursuit of Tonali forms part of a wider rebuild under De Zerbi, with several players already secured for the new season. The Italian is set to join Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke and Mateus Fernandes among Spurs' summer recruits, as the club reshapes the squad for domestic and European targets.

Tonali's move, once confirmed, will close a significant chapter for Newcastle and open another in North London. Newcastle receive a major fee after three seasons with Tonali, while Spurs gain a midfielder with Serie A and Premier League experience, a domestic cup win and a stated desire to start a fresh stage under De Zerbi.