Sandro Tonali is simply using Tottenham, it's clear for all to see
Tottenham Hotspur are likely to be nothing more than a stepping stone for Sandro Tonali as he makes the move from Newcastle United.
Roberto De Zerbi has spoken for years about uniting forces with the Italian international, and that dream is finally about to become a reality.
Deals have already completed for three defenders, two of whom arrived on free transfers, and Mateus Fernandes has been signed for £85million.
Now, Tonali is on his way to London for a medical, with all signs pointing towards another new signing being announced soon. The Lilywhites mean business.
But something about Tonali's transfer doesn't quite sit right.
He has often been accused of following the money trail, with his agent continuously pushing for a move away during his time with the Magpies.
Sandro Tonali already looking ahead to the future
Before he has even put pen to paper on his contract at Hotspur Way, talk has already moved on to a potential return to AC Milan one day.
Being interviewed by the Italian media at the airport, he was asked whether he'd thought about re-joining the Serie A giants in the future.
In reply, he said: "There are always rumours about it. We always joke about it. But if one day there's a chance, we'll seriously talks about that."
Any normal player would speak only about the club he's about to join, but not Tonali. No, he was happy to field questions about other teams instead.
That should be, and undoubtedly will be, seen as a red flag before he's even put on a Spurs shirt, but it would appear that's just the kind of player he is.
Roberto De Zerbi plays huge role in Spurs transfer
De Zerbi has always been an admirer of the player, but it would appear that the feeling is mutual at Hotspur Way this summer.
Speaking on his reasons for the move, he said: “For sure Roberto de Zerbi has been crucial for me to join Spurs. He played a big role. I can’t wait to work with him”.
Managers can change very easily, however, and that would lend to the idea that Tonali could be off out of the club just as quickly as he's joined.
There is no doubt that AC Milan will be watching his performances in the Premier League. It would be a shock if he didn't end up back in Italy some day in the not-too-distant future.