Newcastle United are bracing for a potential midfield overhaul this summer as Sandro Tonali attracts interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Manchester City. The Magpies have already rejected an £80 million offer from Spurs and are holding out for £100 million for the Italy international, according to chief executive David Hopkinson.
Tonali's impact and potential departure
Since joining from AC Milan for £55 million three years ago, Tonali has developed into one of the Premier League's leading midfielders under Eddie Howe. Arsenal are believed to be the player's preferred destination, but Newcastle will only sanction a sale on their terms. The club's recruitment team has been scouting replacements to ensure a seamless transition if Tonali departs.
Kees Smit: AZ Alkmaar's rising star
Newcastle have held a long-term interest in Kees Smit, the 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder who impressed in the Eredivisie last season with five goals and ten assists in all competitions. Smit was the top scorer at the European Under-19 Championships, leading the Netherlands to victory, and later won the Dutch Cup with AZ. He was also named the Europa Conference League 'Revelation of the Season'.
Despite not being in the Dutch World Cup squad, Smit's availability for pre-season is a plus. AZ are seeking around £60 million for the player, but Newcastle's longstanding interest and potential £100 million windfall from Tonali could facilitate the deal. Smit's mentality and leadership have drawn comparisons to seasoned veterans.
Lamine Camara: Monaco's set-piece specialist
Another target is Lamine Camara, the 22-year-old Monaco midfielder described to Chronicle Live as a 'set-piece specialist' who is 'quite box to box, feels very Premier League compatible, robust, workmanlike, covers a lot of space and is really good technically.' Camara is currently impressing for Senegal at the World Cup and is valued at around €50 million. Liverpool have also shown interest in the former Metz player.
Lucas Bergvall: Tottenham outcast
An intriguing option is Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall, who has informed the club he wants to leave this summer due to limited opportunities under Roberto De Zerbi. The 20-year-old Sweden international joined Spurs from Djurgardens in 2024 and is valued at £45 million. Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest have all expressed interest.
Some fans have suggested Bergvall could be used as a makeweight in a Tonali deal, but Chronicle Live understands that Bergvall has not been discussed internally at this stage. Tottenham are also pursuing West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, which could intensify their need to sign Tonali and potentially lead to a second offer.
