Sandro Tonali has been a top feature of Arsenal speculation in recent weeks as the Premier League champions are exploring a potential deal to sign the 26 year-old Italy midfielder this summer from Newcastle.

Arsenal however, aren't alone in the race for Sandro Tonali.

Manchester City have also identified Tonali as a potential option for their midfield if they are not able to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer.

Manchester City launched a £120M bid for Anderson last week which was rejected as Nottingham Forest are demanding the current Premier League record transfer fee (Alexander Isak to Liverpool for £125M).

In the last 12 hours, another club came forward and advanced in a pursuit for Sandro Tonali.

North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have now entered the race to sign Sandro Tonali and look to be in pole position to get his signature this summer.

Newcastle United have slapped a minimum £100 million price tag on Tonali. While that staggering figure is a massive financial hurdle for any suitor, Tottenham’s leadership appears ready to back manager Roberto De Zerbi with a marquee signing to anchor his new-look midfield following the departure of Yves Bissouma.

A crucial, underlying factor behind Tottenham’s sudden advantage is the unique personal connection between Roberto De Zerbi and Sandro Tonali. Both men share deep roots in the northern Italian city of Brescia. De Zerbi was born and raised there, while Tonali grew up in the city and ignited his professional career in Brescia Calcio's academy. This shared cultural and regional background has created an instant, powerful rapport between the two. De Zerbi is reportedly leveraging this hometown connection to personally pitch the Tottenham project, making Tonali incredibly keen on the move to North London.

Despite the threat of losing a top target to their fiercest local rivals, Arsenal are refusing to panic. The Gunners' hierarchy—led by Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta—maintain a strong admiration for Tonali, but they view a new midfield signing as a luxury "bonus" rather than an absolute necessity for the Premier League champions. With Arsenal's primary summer focus firmly fixed on securement of a top-tier left-winger, they will not be drawn into a reactionary bidding war or feel pressured by Tottenham’s aggressive sudden movements.