Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali during the summer transfer window, according to Il Giornale (page 30).
The Italy international was linked with a deadline-day move to the Gunners last summer, but nothing materialised beyond the early speculation.
His agent has since opened the possibility for a summer exit, and Il Giornale claim that Tonali could be on his way out of St James’ Park in the next transfer window.
Manchester City are weighing up a move for the talented Italian and want to reunite him with his compatriot Gianluigi Donnarumma next season.
Arsenal and Manchester United also hold ‘strong interest’ in the former AC Milan man, and they are ‘ready’ to spend £61-70 million for his signature.
Newcastle, on the other hand, could demand £87m to part ways with the Brescia graduate.
Tonali may have to accept a reduced role at Arsenal
The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in the heart of Newcastle’s midfield, and he has had a brilliant partnership with Bruno Guimaraes when the latter has been fit.
Both players have been linked with potential summer exits with the Magpies facing a daunting task to qualify for the Champions League with a top-five Premier League finish.
The Magpies are presently seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand. With five teams between them, Newcastle face a tough challenge to make the Champions League.
The failure to do so could pave the way for Tonali’s exit. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would no doubt open the door for the Italian’s arrival, given he can operate as a central or defensive midfielder.
He has a tremendous work rate and has the knack of making regular recoveries. At 25, he is just entering the prime phase of his career and could be a superb signing at Arsenal for years to come.
The big question remains whether he would accept a reduced starting position. Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are assured starters and Tonali could be used in a rotational role if he joins.
Arteta has not quite devised that strategy this campaign with an evident lack of faith in Christian Norgaard. The Dane has yet to make a Premier League start for the Gunners this term.
His situation has not changed despite a serious foot injury sustained by Mikel Merino.
Arsenal could be prepared to pay a high premium fee of £87m for Tonali. If he were to join the club, it could pave the way for the departure of Norgaard, who has talked up a return to Brondby.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com