MANCHESTER, July 1 Betandsured. Manchester City are considering a dramatic intervention in the race for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, a move that would represent a significant power play against Tottenham Hotspur and underline Enzo Maresca’s intent to reshape the club’s midfield .
According to reports in Spain, City are contemplating hijacking Spurs’ long standing pursuit of the 26 year old Italy international, despite having already agreed a British record £116 million deal for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson . The potential move signals that Maresca’s post Pep Guardiola rebuild will be anything but cautious .
Maresca’s Midfield Vision
The new City manager, who has returned to the Etihad on a three year deal, is clearly preparing for a new midfield era . Anderson brings energy, carrying power and proven Premier League quality, but Tonali offers a different profile, one more experienced at Champions League level, tactically mature and comfortable controlling games from deep .
Tonali has agreed a wage structure in principle with Spurs worth £275,000 per week on a lucrative six year contract, terms City could comfortably match . Tottenham have already seen an offer worth around £80 million rejected by Newcastle, who are holding out for a figure closer to £100 million . City are reportedly prepared to push beyond €110 million (£95 million), which would make Tonali the most expensive Italian player in history .
Tottenham’s Challenge
For Spurs, this development is deeply concerning. Manager Roberto De Zerbi has made the Italy international a priority target as part of a summer rebuild following two successive 17th place finishes . The club have already broken their transfer record with four signings this summer and are planning to spend big on a marquee midfielder .
Tottenham’s new ownership regime, which saw Daniel Levy step down last September, has pledged to be more decisive and operate more quickly in the transfer market . However, De Zerbi’s personal connection with Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso may not be enough to counter City’s superior recent winning culture, Champions League football, and the opportunity to play in Maresca’s possession heavy system .
The Financial Calculus
City’s interest raises questions about whether they truly need both Anderson and Tonali. The financial commitment would be substantial, but with the club’s owners describing their investment as a “long term” project with “no intention” of selling, the resources appear available .
For Newcastle, selling Tonali would be painful unless the fee is enormous, but chief executive David Hopkinson has indicated any departure would be “on our terms” . The Magpies have already rejected a significant offer and are holding firm on their valuation.
For Tottenham, losing Tonali to City would represent a major blow to their ambitions of returning to the top table of English football. City, however, appear ready to prove that their post Guardiola rebuild will be defined by ambition rather than caution.
