Tottenham’s search for a new midfielder has taken a dramatic turn after Fabrizio Romano revealed the club are pursuing one of Europe’s most sought-after stars.It has been widely reported over the last few weeks that Tottenham Hotspur will sign a midfielder this summer, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding Joao Palhinha’s future at the club.The Portuguese international is understood to prefer a return to Sporting CP for family reasons, while Pape Matar Sarr has also attracted interest from Brentford.One profile Tottenham clearly lack in their current squad is that of a deep-lying playmaker. It is a role Roberto De Zerbi has always prioritised throughout his managerial career, and Spurs have already been linked with names such as Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Nathan De Cat.However, a far bigger name has now emerged; one that very few Tottenham supporters would have expected.Photo by Stu Forster/Getty ImagesFabrizio Romano reveals Tottenham’s interest in Sandro TonaliLast night, Fabrizio Romano dropped a major exclusive across his social media platforms, revealing that Tottenham have entered the race to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham have entered the race to sign Sandro Tonali! 💣🇮🇹De Zerbi wants Tonali as new star for the midfield, ideal to step up #THFC level.Spurs ready to face Man City and Arsenal in the race for Tonali for new ambitious project to prove their intentions. pic.twitter.com/Y1PGAClq8F— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2026The transfer expert later expanded on the story via his YouTube channel, explaining why the Italy international has become a priority target for De Zerbi.Romano said: “One more exclusive breaking news I gave you tonight. I told you twice Tottenham want to do something very important in midfield, a top player, a top name.“Now I can give you the name. The name wanted by Tottenham and the name negotiated by Tottenham is Sandro Tonali.“Tottenham want to go for him. Roberto De Zerbi wants Tonali, and Roberto De Zerbi and Sandro Tonali are from the same city, Brescia in Italy. So there is a very good connection between them.“It’s not just about being Italian. It’s also about being from the same city. The connection is excellent. So Roberto De Zerbi is pushing internally at Tottenham to have Sandro Tonali as soon as possible.”Romano added that negotiations with Newcastle will not be straightforward, but stressed that Tottenham have entered the race “very strong, very concrete and very determined” to get a deal done.Sandro Tonali is open to joining TottenhamPerhaps the most encouraging part of Romano’s update concerns the player’s stance.Tonali, who registered nine goal contributions last season, has previously attracted interest from Arsenal, while Manchester City have also been monitoring his situation. Despite that competition, Tottenham appear to have a significant advantage.Romano explained: “The important point of this information is that Sandro Tonali is keen on a move to Tottenham.“Sandro Tonali is open to joining Tottenham. Sandro Tonali is ready to join Spurs even without European football after a difficult season for Tottenham Hotspur.“Tonali is attracted by the project, wants to play for Roberto De Zerbi, and so the possibility of seeing Tonali at Tottenham is really serious, really concrete.”The journalist added that any deal could require a package worth around €100 million, which equates to roughly £85 million.It would undoubtedly be a huge investment, but it would also represent a major statement of intent from Tottenham and the clearest sign yet that De Zerbi is being backed to reshape the squad in his image.READ MORE: Tottenham offered £30m AC Milan striker, but he had an even worse season than Kolo MuaniThe post Tottenham target surprise £85m midfielder as Fabrizio Romano drops De Zerbi bombshell appeared first on Spurs Web.