Could Chelsea make a summer move for the Newcastle United man?placeholder image
Could Chelsea make a summer move for the Newcastle United man? | Getty Images
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal may face competition from Premier League rivals to sign the Newcastle United midfielder in the summer.
Those reports came after an injury to Mikel Merino, which is set to see the versatile Spaniard face a race against time to play again this season. The 29-year-old is a vital part of Mikel Arteta’s Gunners squad and the manager even hinted that he could need to be replaced with an incoming.
A potential target emerged in Tonali, despite the Italian remaining one of the first names on the teamsheet on Tyneside. The midfielder and his agent have given interviews in which they appeared open to an exit from St James’ Park at some point.
Chelsea and Man City linked with Arsenal target
However, nothing came of that talk and Tonali remains at Newcastle United. The player is under contract until 2029, which gives the Magpies plenty of negotiating power.
Metro reports that Chelsea and Manchester City are both weighing up a summer move for Tonali, who is valued by Newcastle United at £100 million. Arsenal are also said to have longstanding interest with a summer swoop also on the cards, but the piqued interest of Premier League rivals may come as a blow.
Chelsea were quiet in the January transfer window but the midfield looked to be the number one area of recruitment if money was to be spent. There is plenty of load on linchpins Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez due to injuries to other central midfielders. The Blues were linked with the likes of Douglas Luiz, Ruben Neves and former Chelsea star N’Golo Kante.
Eddie Howe speaks on Sandro Tonali transfer rumours
Speaking after the transfer deadline passed, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe was adamant that Tonali’s attention remains focused on the project in the North East. He said: "His only focus was on Manchester City and trying to win that game so there's absolutely no issue with Sandro himself. He's very happy and committed so I find it difficult to talk about things I don't know too much about.
"I can only talk about Sandro as the person and player, and his mindset here and now. Having discussed things with him yesterday, he's absolutely fine."
Tonali had addressed his future in November and, while maintaining his commitment to Newcastle United, didn’t appear to rule out an exit. Following a Champions League win against Athletic Club in November, he said: "This is a tough question because, you know, [in] football you need to think year for year. I don't want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years [or] five years I will go."
In other news, 'Deal Agreed': Ex Premier League midfielder signs contract after Chelsea and Man Utd transfer links.
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