Sandro Tonali is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. The Italian international is attracting interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United, while Tottenham Hotspur are also prepared to test Newcastle United's resolve during the summer transfer window.
The Newcastle midfielder remains under contract until 2029, and the Magpies would only consider a sale for a substantial fee, believed to be in the region of £80 million. While that figure would represent a significant departure from Tottenham's usual transfer strategy, the club's ambitions under Roberto De Zerbi may require a greater level of investment if they are to bridge the gap to the Premier League's elite, particularly following two consecutive 17th placed finishes.
However, Spurs will be wary of becoming overly reliant on a deal that is far from straightforward. The club's pursuit of Eberechi Eze serves as a reminder of how quickly high-profile transfers can stall, leaving valuable time lost in the market. As a result, technical director Johan Lange and his recruitment team, alongside De Zerbi, are expected to keep alternative targets under consideration should a move for Tonali ultimately prove unattainable.
We look at the three alternatives that Tottenham will have in mind should the Tonali deal fall through:
Adam Wharton
The Crystal Palace midfielder possesses a level of quality that is impossible to ignore. His ability to receive possession under pressure, break opposition lines with progressive passing and seamlessly link defence to attack makes him one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League. Comfortable carrying the ball through crowded areas and capable of dictating the tempo, he has developed into the driving force behind Palace's midfield, and now has European winning experience.
However, any move would come at a premium. As an established England international with years left on his contract, the so-called "English tax" would significantly inflate his valuation, potentially pushing the fee beyond the £80 million Newcastle are believed to be demanding for Sandro Tonali.
From a Tottenham perspective, he would be an ideal fit in Roberto De Zerbi's system. His technical quality would allow Spurs to play through opposition pressure, while his ability to progress the ball would help bridge the gap between midfield and attack. Whether deployed as a deeper playmaker or in a more advanced box-to-box role, he would bring energy, creativity and control to a midfield that has often lacked all three simultaneously.
Alex Scott
Like Wharton, he would carry an element of the so-called "English tax", although likely to a lesser extent given AFC Bournemouth's business model, which often relies on developing and selling players for profit, a potential for the south coast-club to negotiate a reasonable price that will suit both parties.
The midfielder has emerged as one of the Premier League's most complete all-round performers. While Wharton may hold the edge in terms of range and vision in possession, Bournemouth's star arguably offers more in other areas of the game. He is a powerful ball carrier, covers ground relentlessly and excels at pressing opponents, traits that have been refined under Andoni Iraola's demanding system.
In a Tottenham midfield, his profile could be particularly valuable. Pairing him with a more defensive-minded ball-winner would give Spurs the balance needed to play with greater intensity and control. His ability to drive forward with possession, combine in tight spaces and support attacks would complement creative players such as James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, while also fitting naturally into Roberto De Zerbi's possession-based style.
Mateus Fernandes
Personally, I don't understand the hype surrounding the West Ham player. Two relegations in two seasons, fairly average Premier League output, and yet a reported £60-80 million valuation. For me, that fee would need to be at least halved before Tottenham should even consider getting involved.
His numbers hardly justify that price valuation either. He managed just three goals and four assists last season, following two goals and four assists the year before. While statistics are not the be-all and end-all, they should raise concerns when clubs are talking about spending elite-level money.
This is one transfer Tottenham should steer well clear of. If Manchester United want to take the gamble, let them. Spurs would be better off pursuing alternatives in the likes of Kees Smit, Khéphren Thuram, Leon Goretzka or Nathan De Cat, all of whom arguably offer either greater quality, better value, or a higher long-term ceiling.
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