Sandro Tonali reveals 'magic' Roberto De Zerbi talks that convinced him to join Tottenham | OneFootball

Spurs boss is proving a massive draw during stunning early summer transfer drive

Sandro Tonali has revealed details of a "magic" conversation with Roberto De Zerbi that convinced him to sign for Tottenham.

Tonali spoke to the Spurs boss and his fellow Italian at length before sealing a sensational £100million move from Newcastle to north London, and said after that there was only ever one club he wanted to join.

Tottenham fought off competition from a number of rivals, with Arsenal and Manchester City both reported to be interested, to secure Tonali’s signature, and the midfielder admitted De Zerbi was a key reason behind his decision.

Tonali is not the first Spurs signing this summer to mention the influence De Zerbi had on their choice to join, and added that he knew immediately that Spurs was the right club for him.

Signing on the dotted line: Sandro Tonali has officially become a Tottenham player

Tottenham Hotspur

“I'm very happy to be here,” Tonali - who has been given the No16 shirt - told Tottenham’s official website. “When I arrived at the club today, it felt fantastic. People said about there being four or five clubs - there was only one.

“I spoke to the head coach for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham.

“I've played against Tottenham a few times and always found a great atmosphere made by great fans. I can't wait to start the season.”

Tottenham have now smashed their transfer record twice in the space of just four days, with Mateus Fernandes having joined from rivals West Ham last week for £85m as the club completely overhaul their midfield options.

Despite the high fees involved, De Zerbi was determined to get both signings over the line, and he described Tonali as a “special” player that he had followed for a long time.

“Sandro is a special player and a great signing for our club,” De Zerbi added.

“I have followed him for a long time, as he came through the youth system at my hometown club, Brescia, and I'm so happy to be working with him now.

“Given his qualities, there was a lot of interest in Sandro this summer. However, he was very clear in his desire to join Tottenham, and I know our fans will love what he brings to the team.”

Tonali is the sixth signing of the summer already for Spurs as they look to bounce back following consecutive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League and a near-disastrous battle with relegation to the Championship that was only averted on the final day of the season.

He follows Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka in making the move to Tottenham, with more new faces expected.

“Sandro is one of the best midfielders in Europe and we are delighted to welcome him to the club,” said Spurs’ sporting director Johan Lange.

“He has outstanding technical quality to go with real football intelligence, and has the character to thrive in a demanding, high-pressure environment.

“Sandro brings valuable experience at the highest level, both domestically and in European competition and I know our supporters will love his energy and commitment on the pitch.

“We are all excited to see him pull on our famous Lilywhite shirt for the first time.”