Arsenal have entered negotiations to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, challenging Manchester United’s pursuit of the Italian midfielder, according to reports from Tuttomercatoweb. The Gunners initiated contact with Newcastle ‘a few days ago’ through sporting director Andrea Berta, with Mikel Arteta having tracked Tonali for ‘months’.
Manchester United had been considered frontrunners for Tonali, with claims last week from Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio suggesting they were ‘confident’ of securing his signature alongside Atalanta’s Ederson. Discussions between United and Newcastle were reportedly progressing, with some sources indicating an agreement was ‘close’.
Tonali is reportedly among a group of Newcastle players considering moves following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, finishing 12th in the Premier League this season. The 26-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best all-round midfielders in Europe, making him a target for several elite clubs both domestically and internationally.
Valuations for Tonali vary, with Newcastle reportedly demanding around £100 million, while Italian sources suggest a fee of €100 million (£86 million) may be sufficient. Arsenal are believed to have provided Arteta with a significant ‘war chest’ for summer signings, with Tonali identified as a key target to elevate the team after their near miss in the Premier League title race. There is also speculation of interest from Italian clubs like Juventus, though Tonali’s price tag presents a significant obstacle.
Manchester United are still progressing with a deal for Ederson, having agreed personal terms and made a verbal offer of €45 million (£39 million) to Atalanta. However, Fabrizio Romano has indicated potential complications in that transfer. The competition for Tonali could force United to reassess their midfield strategy as the summer window develops.
