Man City manager Pep Guardiola has praised Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali as a “really top player”.
The pair were spotted in deep conversation following City’s 3-1 win over the Magpies on Wednesday night, and asked about why he had been speaking with the player, Guardiola replied:
“What did I say [to Sandro Tonali]? My Italian is perfect, so that’s why I can communicate with him. And we have an incredible friend in common from Brescia, Edoardo Piovani.”
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“And every time we are connected, I know his father some time ago and all the time we met, we talked about his experience in Milan, the supporters, and how happy he is in Newcastle. He’s a really, really top player, top, top, top player!”
Man City are among Tonali’s suitors
It was reported by The Sun earlier this week that the Cityzens have joined Arsenal and Chelsea in pursuing the Italian international ahead of the summer transfer window.
An agent reportedly offered Tonali to the Gunners before the deadline on Monday but no discussions with Newcastle took place.
There is, however, a feeling that the midfielder would be open to leaving St James’ Park at the end of the season, especially if the Magpies don’t qualify for the Champions League.
The midfield is set to be reinforced
Captain Bernardo Silva is not expected to sign a new contract, and with his current deal expiring in June, the Portuguese international will leave a big void in the first-team squad.
Rodri will also have just 12 months left by the summer, so a decision will have to be made on the Spaniard’s future too. In that context, you can appreciate why someone like Tonali would be on the radar of Guardiola and Director of Football Hugo Viana.
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