Tottenham had a bid rejected for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali last week
Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
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Tottenham will fear Arsenal attempting to hijack their move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer.
That is the verdict of former Spurs defender Alan Hutton who believes if the Gunners or Manchester City act upon their interest in the Italy international, it will be 'troublesome' for his former club.
Spurs launched an £80million bid to sign Tonali from Newcastle last week which was rejected with the Magpies holding out for £100million for a player they have helped develop into a leading Premier League midfielder.
Given United paid £55million to sign him from AC Milan three years ago, coupled with the fact he still has three years left on his contract, Newcastle are determined to command as sizeable a transfer fee as possible to even consider a sale.
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Arsenal and City are also said to be monitoring his situation and Hutton fears it would be difficult for Spurs to compete with those clubs in the race for Tonali's signature.
"I just really like Sandro Tonali," Hutton told Betarades. "He's like a silky Italian player that you used to see from years gone by. Everything comes very easy to him, his first touch is absolutely quality. Does he make Tottenham better? Yes I think he does. I think he's got that quality to kick them on.
"The problem, I think, with Tottenham at this moment in time is that the seasons that they've had, they've not been a stable club. There's been a lot of turnover in terms of managers and everything going in the background. Daniel Levy stepping down. There's been a lot of noise and the fans are unhappy as well. That's the kind of situation they're in.
Alan Hutton working as TV pundit
Alan Hutton working as TV pundit (Image: 2026 Ben Roberts - Danehouse)
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"Because of everything that surrounds the club, when other big teams like Arsenal or whoever it may be are trying to get the same player, I think it's always going to be difficult for Tottenham. There's a lot of uncertainty that surrounds the club.
"The positions that they finished in the last couple of years. I know they won the Europa League, first trophy in a long period of time, it didn't really then kick them on.
"Something needs to change. I know De Zerbi is capable of doing that but they need to get these big players in to help them out.
"I think that's probably what's been missing, leaders and quality, especially in the middle of the pitch where a guy who can get on the ball and make something happen.
"I think Tonali would be a great signing. Do I believe they can get it done? I'm 50-50 on that. If other big clubs are involved, I think it's troublesome."