Sandro Tonali will wear the number six jersey at Tottenham | OneFootball

Sandro Tonali is set to complete a club-record £100 million transfer from Newcastle United to Tottenham Hotspur.

The midfielder is poised to play a central role in a major squad overhaul under manager Roberto De Zerbi and will take the number six shirt.

Tottenham’s move for Tonali signals clear intent, as they have already spent more than £237 million in a swift summer overhaul aimed at leaving recent domestic struggles behind.

Tonali’s acquisition marks a significant coup for De Zerbi, who played a decisive role in persuading his compatriot to reject interest from Arsenal and Manchester City.

Tottenham have agreed to pay an initial £92.5m rising to £100m, with Tonali signing a six-year contract worth £275,000 per week.

While Tonali previously wore number eight, the number six shirt holds particular tactical significance in modern football.

Traditionally, it is assigned to the midfield orchestrator – the deep-lying playmaker and heartbeat of the team.

Tonali, renowned for his energy, technical ability, and elegance in possession, fits the mould of a classic continental number six, although he can also be deployed in a box-to-box role.

In addition to Tonali, Spurs have already made high-profile signings including Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson.