Chelsea and Tottenham set for Premier League boost amid Sandro Tonali controversy

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur could capitalise on the fallout from the developing story around Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Claims emerged last week that Sandro Tonali, as well as Aston Villa star Nicolo Zaniolo, were being investigated for allegedly breaching gambling regulations in Italy. Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli was yesterday given a seven-month ban and a €12,000 fine for breaching betting rules.

Reports are now claiming Tonali has admitted at an Italian Federation hearing to betting on AC Milan - his club at the time - to win. According to FIFA Code 26, this could result in the player being slapped with a three-year ban.

Co-operating with Italian officials is likely to help Tonali. The 23-year-old is in Italy and his agent has since revealed he has been struggling with gambling addiction and it has been reported that he could be out for a year instead of three.

"He [Tonali] knows he made a mistake and is quite shaken," the player's agent Beppe Riso said via ChronicleLive. "But he understands that he must face the matter with determination.

"Newcastle have always been close to him. He is playing the most important game of his career, that of gambling addiction, but I am sure he will win it. "Sandro is in shock, but he is continuing to train and maybe on Saturday he will even be able to play.

"I hope this gambling addiction issue will help to save Sandro’s life as well as many other young guys affected by same problem. "Sandro understood that he has to focus on this issue and face gambling addiction with strong, determined approach."

These allegations have rocked Newcastle, with club officials now dealing with the situation. The Magpies only forked out £55million to sign Tonali from AC Milan in July.

Newcastle have lacked midfield options this season, with Joe Willock yet to play a game in 2023-24. Joelinton has also endured injury niggles in recent weeks - amplifying how big a blow losing Tonali could be.

Eddie Howe bolstered his squad ahead of a busier fixture list due to Champions League football but Tonali was the one marquee arrival who aligned with the club’s improved profile. With him potentially ruled out, Chelsea and Spurs have been served a boost in the top-four race.

Despite sitting top of the table, returning to Europe’s elite competition could still be viewed as a successful season for Tottenham given the pre-season pessimism. Chelsea are also just two points behind Newcastle - who sit eighth - as they aim to make gains under Mauricio Pochettino.