Sandro Tonali has explained why he has decided to join Tottenham ahead of flying to London to finalise his £100million move from Newcastle. The Italy international is expected to undergo a medical later on Thursday before signing a six-year contract, becoming Spurs' club-record signing and the sixth arrival of a busy summer transfer window.
Tonali's motivation for the move
Speaking to Italian media as he departed Milan airport on Thursday morning, Tonali said he had joined Spurs to take on a new challenge as the north London club look to rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi. "We decided to make a change, so we are ready for this new adventure," Tonali said.
De Zerbi is thought to have been a key influence in convincing Tonali to join, and the Spurs boss has played an important role in helping the club attract top talent despite successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.
Other signings and transfer activity
Tonali will join Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka in joining De Zerbi's revolution at Spurs, ending his three-year stay at Newcastle. Fernandes, who is expected to partner Tonali at the base of Spurs' midfield next season, revealed De Zerbi was a key reason behind him joining the club after his £85m arrival was announced on Thursday morning.
Spurs are expected to remain active in the transfer market as they eye a move for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi. However, Spurs sources deny any interest in pursuing a deal for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford after handing Antonin Kinsky a new five-year deal earlier this week.
