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Arsenal were linked with the player in the January transfer window and could try again this summer
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table after 25 fixtures. They are hoping to finally get their hands on the trophy this season. Mikel Arteta’s side won 3-0 at home to Sunderland over the weekend.
Striker Viktor Gyokeres got two goals against the Black Cats at the Emirates Stadium. Meanwhile, midfielder Martin Zubimendi also found the net. The Gunners are six points clear ahead of Manchester City in 2nd.
Arsenal face Manchester United competition in pursuit of Newcastle United ace Sandro Tonali
According to The Telegraph, Manchester United have joined the race for Arsenal-linked Sandro Tonali at Newcastle United and have put him on their ‘shortlist’. The Gunners were said to be keen on a swoop for the player this winter. However, nothing materialised in the end and he stayed put in the North East beyond the deadline last Monday at 7pm.
Tonali, 25, is also said to be on the radar of Chelsea and Manchester City. The Italy international, who has 30 caps to his name, joined Newcastle back in 2023 and has since become one of their most prized assets. He has made 93 appearances for the Magpies in all competitions to date, 36 of which have come this season, and he has scored seven goals.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider: “There’ll be lots more speculation in regards to Sandro Tonali. That news on Deadline Day was probably just the start of it. A bit like Newcastle had last year with Alexander Isak, there could be another transfer saga involving Sandro Tonali this summer.
“Especially if Newcastle miss out on qualifying for the Champions League, because I’m sure the player himself wants to continue playing at the highest level, and there will be clubs ready and waiting to offer him that if he does want out.”
What now for Arsenal and Sandro Tonali?
Arsenal could get their chance to launch a move for Tonali at the end of this campaign if there interest still remains. He seems unlikely to stay at Newcastle for next term, especially if they miss out on Europe. Chelsea and City have also been mentioned as suitors though meaning there will be competition for his signature, as well as now Manchester United following their recent upturn in form under caretaker boss Michael Carrick.
If Tonali joined the Gunners, he would give them more competition and depth in the middle of the park. He could battle it out with the likes of Declan Rice, Zubimendi and Mikel Merino for a place in Arteta’s starting XI. Prior to his switch to England, he had spells at Brescia and AC Milan.
His current manager Eddie Howe has recently 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."
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