Tottenham will move for £128m World Cup duo after Tonali, Spurs showing ‘great ambition’

Tottenham Hotspur remain fully committed to securing one of the biggest transfers of the summer, with Sandro Tonali still at the top of Roberto De Zerbi’s wishlist as the Italian manager continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

The Newcastle United midfielder has emerged as Spurs’ priority target after another outstanding season on Tyneside, where he cemented his reputation as one of the league’s finest all-round midfielders. Tottenham have already tested Newcastle’s resolve with an opening offer believed to be in the region of £80 million, but the proposal was swiftly turned down.

Newcastle have made their stance crystal clear. Eddie Howe views Tonali as indispensable, with the club reportedly valuing the Italian international at well over £100 million. Having become one of the first names on Howe’s team sheet, Newcastle have little desire to part ways with a player who has become the heartbeat of their midfield.

Tonali’s performances throughout the 2025/26 season only strengthened his growing reputation. Featuring in more than 50 matches across all competitions, the former AC Milan star dictated games with his exceptional passing range, composure under pressure and relentless defensive work. His ability to control the tempo while contributing both in and out of possession has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders.

Despite the significant challenge of convincing Newcastle to sell, Tottenham remain optimistic that negotiations could continue during the remainder of the transfer window.

However, De Zerbi’s recruitment plans extend far beyond midfield. The Spurs boss is equally determined to add more firepower in attack as he prepares his side for what he hopes will be a far more competitive campaign after last season’s struggles.

One name that continues to feature prominently on Tottenham’s radar is Manchester City winger Savinho. Spurs have admired the Brazilian for some time and attempted to bring him to North London last summer before City blocked any possibility of a move and rewarded the winger with a new contract.

The situation now appears to have changed considerably. With Savinho seeing fewer opportunities than expected last season, reports suggest he is far more open to joining Tottenham, reigniting a transfer that previously looked impossible.

Yet Savinho is far from the only attacking option being considered.

According to Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, Tottenham are also preparing ambitious moves for Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush and Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo. The report claims Spurs intend to pursue both players with the aim of completing a deal for at least one of them before the transfer deadline.

Pedullà suggests that Tottenham’s attacking pursuit could accelerate once progress is made in their efforts to sign Tonali, highlighting the growing ambition of sporting director Johan Lange and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham as they look to transform the squad following last season’s disappointing campaign.

Both Marmoush and Gakpo would bring different strengths to De Zerbi’s system.

Marmoush has developed into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking threats thanks to his explosive pace, intelligent movement and ability to stretch opposition defences. The Egyptian international is equally comfortable playing through the middle or from wide positions, making him an attractive option for a manager who values tactical flexibility. With Mohamed Salah approaching the latter stages of his international career, Marmoush has also increasingly become one of Egypt’s leading attacking figures on the international stage.

Gakpo, meanwhile, offers proven Premier League quality and valuable versatility. The Dutch international can operate on the left wing, as a central striker or in a more fluid attacking role, giving De Zerbi multiple tactical options. During the 2025/26 season, Gakpo made over 50 appearances in all competitions, contributing nine goals and six assists while continuing to play an important role despite fierce competition for places at Liverpool.

The Netherlands forward also carried impressive form into the World Cup, scoring twice in a warm-up victory over Uzbekistan before continuing his fine run with two goals and an assist in the Netherlands’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Sweden.

While Tottenham’s ambition is evident, completing any of these deals will require a significant financial commitment.

Pedullà describes the valuations of both attackers as extremely high. Reports indicate Liverpool could consider offers worth around €70 million, approximately £60 million, for Gakpo should a suitable bid arrive.

Marmoush would likely prove even more expensive. Manchester City invested around £68 million, including add-ons, to sign the Egyptian, and they are expected to demand a fee comfortably above that figure before entertaining offers.

With Tonali, Savinho, Marmoush and Gakpo all under serious consideration, Tottenham are signalling their intent to make a major statement in the transfer market as De Zerbi looks to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level next season.