Sandro Tonali

Muttley said:

I agree. That is where RDZ needs to build his stock. He would surely know that if he spent mega bucks on a player in one position then there would be trade-offs in others. I genuinely hope he is the manager that brings quality, not quantity to Spurs.

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That said, with a deal apparently agreed for van Hecke, this for Tonali and also a deal for Savinho being strongly mooted, that seems to be three very significant transfers with no apparent trade-off yet.
Some Italian journo (whose pedigree I cannot speak to) is alleging we are willing to up to 100 million for Tonali (pounds or euros unknown)
We do have a lot of room for maneuver with the FFP replacement.

ricky2tricky4city said:

Don't tell me they were moaning when we signed Jimmy in December 61?

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Best Xmas present we have had.

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This is seemingly De Zerbi's dream ticket now. He has the gratitude and financial backing of the club. We still have the status as well as the finances to make realistic efforts to sign the players he wants.

He's an upgrade to what we have. I think he can do well as a no. 10 to succeed Madison

It would be a great signing, I think a combination of Saudi Sportswashing Machine and competition will scupper us though.

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This video analysis kind of matches my thoughts on Tonali although I admittedly haven't watched a ton of him but I also think it matches @fernadez view as well.

Having watched it I think it makes the addition of someone like Gomes even more important because 1 of his massive strengths is recieving under pressure and on the turn.

I'm still skeptical that the deal will be done but this is the type of daring and stylish player we lack in the current squad. Would be great to have him in a Spurs shirt to inspire a new generation of fans , like how Hoddle did for me

Bishop said:

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This video analysis kind of matches my thoughts on Tonali although I admittedly haven't watched a ton of him but I also think it matches @fernadez view as well.

Having watched it I think it makes the addition of someone like Gomes even more important because 1 of his massive strengths is recieving under pressure and on the turn.

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As I mentioned, his profile is similar to Rice, and if you listen to Arsenal fans, one of the issues they had with thier midfield was retention and progresson in that Regista sort of way. Especially when Zubimendi had a dip in form.

I really would expect him to be on the left of a 3 man midfield with Gallagher on the other side. We have ball playing centre backs now capable of forward passes both through the lines and diagonal, so having a less expansive but more mobile midfield is easier to mitigate. Kudus and another winger and you've got dribblers who are a 1v1 threat as well.
In a pivot with Maddison in front for example would require another player like Gomes. De Zerbi could be thinking of converting him but it would be a better use of time and money to buy someone ready made to control the game.
At the end of the day, if he's wanted by the manager let's hope we get it done and then can enjoy him in a Spurs shirt.