Inside the Sandro Tonali Dilemma: Price Tag Divides Spurs as Arsenal Remains His Preference

It's a story that will undoubtedly dominate headlines throughout the summer.

Sandro Tonali has been linked with a move away from Newcastle United since January, and as time passes, with the Italian midfielder not involved in the World Cup, the rumours continue to grow.

Now, another major report has emerged, with respected journalists in England suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the former AC Milan star. 

More than that, there are claims that Tonali could leave St James' Park this summer if Spurs submit a record-breaking offer.

Newcastle's Demands And Tottenham's Spending Approach

Newcastle would reportedly demand around £120 million before considering allowing Tonali to leave St James' Park.

At the same time, Tottenham's transfer policy in the current market suggests otherwise.

Spurs have been spending carefully, moving intelligently and targeting players based on contract situations and value for money.

We saw it with Andy Robertson, who joined on a free transfer from Liverpool. 

The same happened with Marcos Senesi after his Bournemouth contract expired. Meanwhile, the case of Jan Paul van Hecke was different. The Dutch defender wanted to leave Brighton, and, for around £55 million, the deal was completed.

As a result, Tottenham effectively rebuilt their entire defence for less than half of what Newcastle are asking for Tonali.

For that reason, many are surprised that the Spurs continue to discuss a move for the Italian midfielder despite the astronomical valuation attached to him.

Tonali's Main Preference And His Respect For De Zerbi And Arteta

But what about the player's side of the story?

Would Tonali be interested in moving to North London and joining Tottenham?

Our information suggests that while he has enormous respect for Roberto De Zerbi and, as fellow Italians, the two know each other well and have discussed the possibility of working together, Tonali is still thinking about Arsenal.

That should not come as a surprise.

The Gunners were the first club linked with him back in January, explored the possibility of signing him in recent weeks and are now the reigning Premier League champions.

Tonali has huge respect for Mikel Arteta, and SportsBoom can exclusively reveal that if both Tottenham and Arsenal reached an agreement with Newcastle, the midfielder would choose Arsenal.

However, as long as that scenario remains unrealistic, Tottenham's chances naturally increase, just not at the current asking price.

The Conditions for a Transfer And Why Bouaddi Comes First For Arsenal

Newcastle's demands would need to drop, Tonali would need to apply pressure, and the conditions would have to become more favourable.

A prediction for what happens next?

This is not a situation that will be resolved quickly.

Tonali is expected to wait, assess his options and decide what is best for his future.

Ideally, he would like to leave St James' Park for Arsenal.

At the same time, Newcastle would ideally like to keep him, relying partly on the respect Tonali has for the club after the support they showed him throughout his lengthy suspension.

For now, patience is required.

Arsenal's priority remains Ayyoub Bouaddi, while the club is also exploring several winger options, including Christos Tzolis.

By the end of the month, there will almost certainly be more information available.