Arsenal are now considering a summer move for a "world-class" £100m star, with Mikel Arteta believed to be a big fan of the player.
Gunners eyeing another statement signing
The Gunners have invested heavily in the Arteta era, and it is looking like they are finally set to reap the rewards this season, currently six points clear at the top of the Premier League table and into the final of the EFL Cup.
The north Londoners booked their place at Wembley courtesy of a 1-0 victory against Chelsea on Tuesday night, with Kai Havertz scoring a 97th-minute winner against his former club, leaving Arteta delighted.
With the Spaniard's side still competing on all fronts, booking their place in the last 16 of the Champions League after winning every single league phase game, there was little reason to tinker with the squad too much during the January transfer window.
As such, no major additions were made to the squad, despite late links to Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali, although his agent, Giuseppe Riso, later made it clear that no talks were held.
However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal do hold an interest in Tonali, and could make a move for the central midfielder during the summer transfer window.
Sandro Tonali Newcastle-1
Speaking on YouTube, Romano said: "Arsenal are considering Sandro Tonali, but there are more clubs in England and in Italy, with Juventus. So, nothing at the moment concrete, also because, as his agent said, we have to see Newcastle's position. We have to respect Newcastle in this story.
"I think there is a possibility Tonali considers a Newcastle exit for the summer, but again, this is also in Newcastle's hands, so let's follow that situation."
Romano's update follows earlier reports, which suggested the Gunners were plotting a £100m swoop for the Italian, with Arteta known to be a big admirer.
"World-class" Tonali could be exciting signing for Arsenal
Earlier this season, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes made it clear he prefers Tonali to Declan Rice, saying: "I think he's better than Rice.
"I really like Rice, don't get me wrong, I think he's got everything. Sometimes he takes a few too many touches of the ball and tries to look a bit more stylish than necessary."
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The 25-year-old, who has also been lauded as "world-class" by football writer Mark Carruthers, has been a key player for the Magpies this season, making 35 appearances in all competitions, during which time he's contributed five assists.
That said, there are doubts over whether the Italy international would give Rice a run for his money, with the Englishman being involved in nine goals in the Premier League alone, while also averaging a pass-completion rate of 88.9%, compared to 85.3% from the Newcastle star.
Regardless, Tonali could still be an exciting signing for Arsenal, and Arteta would have quite the midfield if he were able to bring Rice, Tonali and Martin Zubimendi together.