Newcastle midfield veteran Sandro Tonali is a sought-after player with many suitors. Now it seems that Manchester United, with a renewed willingness to spend money, have become favourites to sign the Italian this summer.
Tonali has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the Premier League since joining Tyneside in 2023. Newcastle paid €70 million for the then 23-year-old player, making him the most expensive Italian player of all time.
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Despite a controversial betting suspension in 2024, Tonali has managed to attract several big suitors. United, Manchester City and Arsenal are all said to be in the running for his signature.
United want to sign at least two midfielders this summer, and they have already shown their intention by striking a £38 million deal for Atalanta’s Brazilian midfield star Ederson.
Tonali is a top target for Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal
Tonali has long been linked with a move away from Newcastle this summer, with United being one of the favourites to sign him. He has been named a top target by new permanent manager Michael Carrick and INEOS. A report from Caught Offside suggests that United are preparing a bid between £70 million and £80 million.
Elliot Anderson has been United’s number one priority this summer, but they face competition from Manchester City, who are confident of securing a deal for the Nottingham Forest player – despite an initial bid being rejected.
But City – and Arsenal – could also make a late move for Tonali. Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Tonali in the January window and could return for the Italian this summer. Eager to build on their Premier League success, they will also be hoping to do even better in the Champions League after narrowly losing the final to Paris Saint-Germain.
Tonali would undoubtedly form a formidable trio with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi or Martin Ødegaard. The Italian’s versatility would also provide good rotational coverage throughout the season.
Newcastle demand £100 million
An exit for Tonali appears to be dependent on a significant offer. Newcastle have already lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, and the “Magpies” have still not filled the offensive void created by Alexander Isak’s transfer to Liverpool last summer.
Tonali’s departure would leave Eddie Howe with a significant summer rebuild ahead of him. In recognition of the damage this exit would inflict on the squad, Newcastle have reportedly valued Tonali at £100 million.
Tonali gets Paul Scholes’ stamp of approval
With United reportedly favourites to sign the hard-working Italian, they already have the approval of one of the club’s greatest midfielders ever.
In an interview on The Overlap last year, Paul Scholes was given the difficult task of choosing the best midfielder in the Premier League at the time. The United legend eventually chose the Newcastle star.
“I also love Sandro Tonali. He’s been brilliant. Very good. I would probably choose Tonali now,” said Scholes.
“Yes, you’re going to say Declan Rice, but I think he’s better than Rice. I really like Rice – don’t get me wrong – I think he has it all. Sometimes he takes a little too many touches of the ball and tries to look a little more stylish than necessary.
“I tried to think of one player, especially Tonali. He can run. I think he has been brilliant. Guimarães too. Very good. I would probably choose Tonali now.
Entering his prime years
At 26, Tonali is entering the best years of his career. Newcastle dropped to 12th place this year, without securing European football. Like Gordon and Isak before him, the temptation to European football with either United, City or Arsenal will undoubtedly be great for the Italian.
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