Sandro Tonali has been linked with Arsenal.placeholder image
Sandro Tonali has been linked with Arsenal. | Getty Images, Arsenal
Sandro Tonali’s future at Newcastle United has been plagued by uncertainty throughout the season.
Sandro Tonali’s agent has revealed “it is very likely” the midfielder will seek to leave Newcastle United after the World Cup.
Speculation has surrounded the Italian’s future all season. In November, Tonali refused to commit his future to St James’ Park beyond the current campaign.
Transfer talk heated up in January when Arsenal were linked with a deadline-day move. This was a non-starter from Newcastle’s end, with his agent confirming talks regarding Tonali would take place in the coming months.
Sandro Tonali agent goes rogue agent
Tonali’s representative, Beppe Riso, has gone rogue again to insist he wants to play for a “top” club. He also set a timeline, suggesting activity will take place following the World Cup.
“Newcastle are already a Champions League club, but now it’s said that Tonali is being targeted by top clubs, those aiming to win the Premier League, such as Arsenal or Manchester City,” he told Calcio&Finanza. “That was the aim from the moment he went to England - to try and turn him into a star player.
“I think he’s the Italian player with one of the highest values in the world. “I don’t know (whether he will join Man City or Arsenal). But it’s very likely. Everyone is waiting for the World Cup; then a thousand scenarios will unfold, but it all kicks off after the World Cup.”
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Beppe Riso on Newcastle United move
Riso also touched on the betting scandal that saw Tonali banned for 10 months following his move. When asked if he knew about the player’s addiction, he added: "No, absolutely not, also because otherwise we would have intervened. I must say that the transfer also turned out to be a winning choice from this point of view.
“Because both Newcastle and their fans treated Sandro incredibly, always supporting him. In Italy, he received different treatment. Not from the AC Milan fans, who always protected him. In England, the mentality is different, and every time Sandro entered the stadium, despite his suspension, he received a standing ovation from the crowd.
“We're talking about a guy who made a mistake, the fans noticed, and he was forgiven. Now, Sandro has completely changed."
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