Sandro Tonali favours Serie A return amid Manchester City interest
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is prioritising a return to Serie A this summer, dealing a significant blow to Manchester City's transfer plans. According to TEAMtalk, the Italy international has indicated a preference for moving back to his homeland, despite strong interest from Premier League rivals Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. This development is set to reshape the midfield market for several top clubs.
Manchester City had identified Tonali as a key target as they prepare for a potential midfield overhaul, holding preliminary talks over a move. Pep Guardiola's side are planning for at least two midfield additions, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Rodri and Bernardo Silva. However, sources indicate the 25-year-old's camp is focusing on Italian options, with former club AC Milan, Juventus, and Inter Milan all keen. Milan, who sold Tonali to Newcastle for a then-record £60 million fee for an Italian player in 2023, are understood to be leading the race for his signature.
The financial structure of that original transfer could play a pivotal role in facilitating a return. As fees are often paid in installments over several years, it is believed Milan could potentially offset part of the cost of re-signing the midfielder against the remaining payments owed by Newcastle. The Magpies are expected to demand a fee in excess of £75 million for a player who has developed into one of the Premier League's most consistent all-round central midfielders, helping the club win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League.
Tonali's potential departure from England would represent a major shift in the summer's midfield landscape. His decision leaves Manchester City needing to explore alternative targets, with the club already assessing other routes. One name under consideration, according to the report, is Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez. The Argentina international has paused contract talks and could be available, though Chelsea would demand a fee exceeding £100 million. City are seen as one of the few clubs with the financial capacity to structure such a deal.
Furthermore, City's pursuit of alternatives is likely to have consequences for Manchester United. TEAMtalk understands City are confident of landing Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, a player also coveted by United. Securing Anderson would deny Erik ten Hag's side a key target and force them to look elsewhere. This domino effect underscores how Tonali's preference for Italy could trigger a series of moves across the Premier League and beyond.
For Newcastle, a sale at the reported valuation would represent a significant profit and provide funds to bolster Eddie Howe's squad, albeit at the cost of losing a pivotal player. Tonali's consistent performances since his arrival have made him a fan favourite at St James' Park, but his agent has been vocal about exploring a move. With the player's clear preference now emerging, Newcastle may have little choice but to negotiate a sale that maximises their return on a prized asset.
