Manchester City and Tottenham Target Sandro Tonali

Pep Guardiola left after the 2025-26 season, and Bernardo Silva departed on a free to Real Madrid. Enzo Maresca, appointed as his successor, must shape a new midfield while deciding on captain Rodri, whose contract expires after the 2026 World Cup. The club also faces possible exits for Nico González and uncertainty surrounding Tijjani Reijnders, underscoring the urgency of fresh signings.

New York Times

Manchester City are tracking Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali and negotiating with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson. Tottenham Hotspur have also entered talks with Tonali; head coach Roberto De Zerbi has called the Italian an admirer, and Tonali’s agents previously consulted Arsenal in February.

New York Times

The two acquisitions could exceed £200 million in total, with Tonali alone valued at roughly £80 million. Anderson’s fee is expected to set a new British-record transfer, and City have signaled willingness to meet the high price tags.

New York Times

Manchester City have not been deterred by the sums required and continue negotiations with Nottingham Forest for Anderson, while Tottenham’s “productive talks” with Tonali’s camp indicate a serious bid. De Zerbi’s public admiration of Tonali underscores Tottenham’s intent, and City await Rodri’s post-World Cup decision.

New York Times

Securing Tonali and Anderson would restore creative depth and box-to-box vigor, bolstering City’s pursuit of the Premier League crown and providing Tottenham with a significant midfield upgrade that could narrow the gap with the league’s elite.

New York Times

Reports that Rodri may join Real Madrid lack concrete interest, Anderson’s exact fee remains undisclosed, the timing of any deal is still uncertain, and potential departures such as Nico González have not been confirmed.

New York Times

• Early June 2026: Reports emerge of City and Tottenham negotiations for Tonali.

New York Times

• July 2026: 2026 World Cup concludes; Rodri’s decision expected.

New York Times

• August 2026: Summer transfer window opens, where final agreements on Tonali and Anderson are likely to be announced.

New York Times

• “Manchester City are giving genuine consideration to signing Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as well as Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest.” — The Athletic, reporting

New York Times

• “The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Tottenham have held productive talks with Tonali’s camp and want to make the Italian their major signing this summer, but face serious competition from City, who have continued to track the player.” — The Athletic, reporting

New York Times

• “Signing both midfielders, for what would likely be a combined cost of over £200million ($268m), comes with City seeking to build a side for Enzo Maresca, Pep Guardiola’s successor, that can challenge for next season’s Premier League title.” — The Athletic, reporting

New York Times

Final decisions on Tonali and Anderson are expected after the 2026 World Cup, with both clubs poised to announce moves in the summer window.

New York Times