Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali in an attempt to bolster their squad with world-class quality, according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport (via GOAL). While Tonali has reportedly been linked with a move to Manchester United, Juventus, and Real Madrid in recent months, the Gunners have identified the 25-year-old as a key transfer target for this summer.
Mikel Arteta and Co. were reportedly keen on signing Sandro Tonali during the January transfer window. However, their plans were put on hold after Newcastle rejected them during the final days of the window. Despite this, Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, remains interested in signing Tonali and is allegedly behind their transfer push for the Manchester United-linked midfielder.
Additionally, this interest reached a new peak after Tonali's representative, Beppe Riso, was spotted in the stands during the Gunners' recent 1-0 win over Brighton on March 4. However, the north London outfit would reportedly need to pay around £87 million to sign the Italy international.
Tonali has been integral for the Magpies over the past three seasons, registering 10 goals and nine assists in 101 appearances across all competitions, helping them win the 2024-25 EFL Cup.
"I wouldn’t be surprised if they bottle it again" - Manchester United legend provides his verdict on Arsenal's Premier League title hopes
Manchester United icon Patrice Evra is hopeful that Mikel Arteta's side get over the line and secure the Premier League title this season. However, he admitted that he wouldn't be surprised if they 'bottle' their lead, having fallen short over the past three years.
Following their nervy 1-0 win over Brighton, the Gunners remain at the top of the league table with 67 points from 30 games, seven points above second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand. The latter were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest.
The former Manchester United defender told Stake (via METRO):
"Man City’s draw against Nottingham Forest is a big boost, and even if Brighton had lots of chances, Arsenal won. This is a sign of a Premier League winner. I’ve been there five times. Some away wins can be very ugly. It was a good chance for Man City to keep the gap close, I don’t think it’s over but that win against Brighton was big for Arsenal."
He added:
"I want Arsenal to win the league, I just hope they don’t bottle it again. People like the joke I made about calling them Netflix, we always have to wait for next season. Come on Arsenal, you can do it this year, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they bottle it again."
The Gunners will next face Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 on March 11.