Fabrizio Romano explains why Sandro Tonali turned down Arsenal and Man City
(Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket/Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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.
The transfer expert dismissed suggestions of a real three-way race, insisting the Italy international made Tottenham his preferred destination from the start.
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Fabrizio Romano: Sandro Tonali only wanted Tottenham
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that the speculation surrounding Arsenal and Manchester City never reflected the reality of the situation.
According to the Italian journalist, Tonali immediately gave the green light to Tottenham after the club made its way, the project of Roberto De Zerbi shows to decide.
“I never came here to tell you about Man City, I told you about Arsenal’s interest, I told you that Tonali doesn’t want to go to Tottenham,” said Romano firmly.
“Many people say that Tonali prefers Arsenal, or Manchester City. But Tonali’s choice was clear from that day.”
According to Romano, Tonali’s consistent status was quickly established when the first special story broke on June 15.
The midfielder has given Spurs his green light, driven by his trust in manager Roberto De Zerbi and faith in the club’s long-term project.
Personal terms were wrapped up that afternoon, making the next two weeks of club-team negotiations a priority before finalizing a £92.5 million upfront fee and £7.5 million in add-ons.
Tonali agreed personal terms on June 15 with Tottenham, and negotiations lasted two weeks – but now the deal is done. It is a record deal for Tottenham. Two days ago I told you about the record deal [Mathys] Fernandez – that was £85 million. Now, after 48 hours, another record: Sandro Tonali is £92.5 million, plus £7.5 million in additions. And so Sandro Tonali’s £100 million move to Tottenham – the most expensive Italian player in the history of the game.
So, Sandro Tonali’s move to Tottenham is over, and now it’s time for a medical and contract signing. Newcastle have accepted the offer, and everything is done.
Sandro Tonali is set to become Tottenham’s highest paid player
Locked in a record-breaking £100 million package, Tonali is not only breaking club transfer fee records; and completely rewrites the financial management at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
As reported by Football Paparazzi, Tonali will become the highest paid player in Tottenham’s history, earning a staggering £275,000 per week.
The lucrative six-year contract represents a major financial commitment from the club’s leadership.
Having broken their record fee twice in 48 hours, following the £85 million arrival of Mateus Fernandes, Spurs are set to give De Zerbi the huge financial boost needed to rebuild a strong squad capable of challenging for the top four after two consecutive 17th place finishes.
The use of transfers for Tottenham under Roberto De Zerbi
Tonali will be the latest name to arrive in Spurs’ summer transfer window.
Apart from agreeing deals for Tonali and Fernandes, the North London club also strengthened their defense by signing Jan Paul van Hecke for £52 million, while Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dúbravka all joined on free transfers.
With one of the biggest recruitment campaigns in the Premier League, Tottenham are showing their intention to re-establish themselves among the Premier League’s top players under De Zerbi ahead of the 2026/27 season.
