Just hours after Arsenal secured the Premier League title and crowned a seven-year struggle to become the best, manager Mikel Arteta was told of a bigger framework ahead for player acquisitions. – This, of course, to continue winning in the Premier League, but also as we saw against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, attackers are needed.
Arsenal were served the league gold on a silver platter after Manchester City lost away to Bournemouth – a team that is chasing Champions League games themselves. But the victory crowned a season marked by a solid defensive structure, a structure that has been the catalyst for Arsenal’s winning formula.
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Already, it seems that this solidarity is being further strengthened. Arteta wants a mobile defensive midfielder alongside Declan Rice – and the Arsenal boss has found his man.
Arsenal beat Juventus in the battle for Sandro Tonali
After covering the gaps left by an in-form Martin Zubimendi and midfield striker Mikel Merino, Arteta has identified Sandro Tonali as a Premier League-proven talent. According to the reports, he is a perfect fit for the club.
Tonali is currently under contract with Newcastle. Italian media report that he is not happy in the northeast and wants to return to a Champions League team. Newcastle are also forced to sell this summer after they failed to secure revenue through European qualification. A £60 million price tag at Tonali could be a good way to raise money for renewals.
Why Arteta wants Tonali
Tonali has played as a deep-lying midfielder for Newcastle in an outstanding way in his two years as Magpie. It has attracted the attention of the biggest clubs in Europe. At the top of the wish list, according to Totto Juve, is Arsenal. The Italian publication claims that Juventus are out of the game – because Tonali is thriving in the Premier League.
The report suggests that Arteta is a big fan of Tonali’s “intensity, balance and leadership”. He believes the Italian would fit perfectly into such a competitive squad.
Could be the end for other Arsenal players
However, a transfer for Tonali could spell the end for some Arsenal talents. Among them is Christian Nørgaard, who will be happy to secure the Premier League medal – even though he has been given little playing time after his move from Brentford.
Manchester United are also watching
Manchester United is another club that is in the running for a signing. Their midfield options almost start and end with Kobbie Mainoo in 2026/27 – given that Casemiro has left the club and Manuel Ugarte has delivered poor performances. United are also very interested in Elliot Anderson, and they would like a trio of deeper midfielders to rotate on, as they are now struggling with congestion in the Champions League games.
Newcastle would prefer to keep him
Newcastle are reluctant to sell Tonali this window – they hope to keep their best players. But with financial fair play breathing down their necks, it could still be a matter of letting go of their beloved midfield general.
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