Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is expected to be a major story in the upcoming summer transfer window, with interest from several Premier League rivals, but a return to Italy has been deemed impossible for this year. According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, while Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal are monitoring the 25-year-old Italian international, no club has yet taken decisive steps to secure a deal.
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, provided a significant update on the protracted saga. He stated that despite reports linking Tonali with a sentimental return to Serie A, specifically to Juventus, such a move is considered "absolutely impossible" for the summer of 2026. The primary reason is financial, with Newcastle expected to demand a fee in the region of €90-110 million, a sum Italian clubs are currently unable to match. Romano added that Tonali himself is happy to continue playing at the highest level in the Premier League.
The situation emerges as Newcastle are reportedly prepared to sanction sales of key players to generate funds for their own squad rebuilding. While Anthony Gordon is said to be the player the club is most willing to part with, the interest in Tonali from domestic rivals means his future remains uncertain. The Italy international, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023, has established himself as a influential figure in Eddie Howe's midfield when available.
Regarding the specific Premier League interest, Romano provided a nuanced breakdown. He confirmed Manchester City are following the situation with Tonali on a shortlist, though they are currently prioritising a move for another midfielder. For Manchester United, the club is waiting to understand the full financial package, including transfer fee and wages, over concerns the total cost could prove prohibitive. Arsenal's interest is confirmed but, as of now, they have "not activated" a formal operation to sign him.
This leaves Tonali's immediate future in a state of limbo. While a high-profile departure from St. James' Park remains a distinct possibility, there is no leading contender actively driving a transfer. The developments will be a mixed blessing for Newcastle; the threat of losing a key asset to a direct rival persists, but the closure of a potentially destabilising return to Italy provides some short-term stability. The coming months will determine whether any of the interested English clubs convert their monitoring into a concrete offer.
