Arsenal Rejected Tonali Over Wage Demands
Arsenal reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Sandro Tonali before Tottenham Hotspur sealed a £100million agreement with Newcastle United. The Gunners are said to have rejected the chance because they considered his salary expectations excessive.
Tonali, 26, is set to become the second player to shatter Spurs' transfer record this summer, with Matheus Fernandes also expected to arrive from West Ham United for £85million. The duo will help transform the Spurs midfield.
Tonali's Wage and Agent Fee
Tonali is understood to be set to receive £275,000 per week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a six-year deal. His agent Giuseppe Riso reportedly requested a 10% agent fee. Riso discussed his client's availability candidly ahead of this summer's transfer window opening, saying in March: "Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he's the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world."
Spurs' £100m Deal Structure
Spurs will pay an initial £92.5million, with £7.5million in add-ons dependent on Champions League qualification. Improving their initial £80million offer by around £20million sealed the deal with Newcastle.
Newcastle have already recouped £80million from Anthony Gordon's sale this summer. With a further £100million set to follow from the Tonali deal, they appear even less inclined to lose their club captain Bruno Guimaraes, who is also a target for Arsenal.
Newcastle's Stance on Sales
Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson addressed the prospect of players departing three months ago, stating: "We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer. But if an [Alexander] Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms. And we're going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club."
