Arsenal v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Final
Declan Rice is a ‘similar’ profile to reported Arsenal target Sandro Tonali, says Chris Waddle (Picture: Getty)
England legend Chris Waddle has questioned whether Arsenal ‘really need’ Sandro Tonali, suggesting the Newcastle midfielder’s profile may be a little too similar to that of Declan Rice.
Tonali is enjoying a fine season at St James’ Park and is widely considered to be among the most sought-after central midfielders in Premier League football ahead of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal were heavily linked with Tonali in January following an injury to Mikel Merino, with sporting director Andrea Berta reported to have explored a proposed deal for the 25-year-old.
However, the Magpies made it clear they had no intention of cashing in on one of their key players midway through the campaign and the Gunners were left disappointed in their pursuit.
In the meantime, Manchester United are said to have joined Arsenal in the race for Tonali’s signature as Old Trafford bosses scour the market for high-quality reinforcements in the middle of the park.
Newcastle have responded by slapping an eye-watering £100million price tag on Tonali, with head coach Eddie Howe repeatedly stressing the Italian’s importance to his plans while speaking to the press.
Addressing the recent rumours, ex-England and Newcastle winger Waddle admitted he was a little surprised to learn about Arsenal’s interest given the club’s strength in midfield – and Rice’s similar characteristics.
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Newcastle are reportedly demanding a fee of £100m for Tonali (Picture: Getty)
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The Italian was heavily linked with Arsenal in January (Picture: Getty)
‘They’ve got Declan Rice and they’ve got Martin Zubimendi, who’s a very good player. But Arsenal seem to collect players,’ Waddle told FootballTransfers on behalf of 10bet.
‘Tonali has had a couple of great seasons, he’s got better this season. He’s a good age and I’m not surprised there’s a lot of clubs interested in him.
‘He’s a very economical player, he’s a little bit like Declan Rice, let’s be honest, he’s very consistent with his pass ratio, he’s got a good shot and he’s got a good engine.
‘In my mind, he’s a very similar player to Declan Rice, though. Do Arsenal really need another player like that? I know squads strengthen every year and that’s how football moves on.’
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According to Waddle, Newcastle should not even entertain a deal for Tonali unless they receive an offer in excess of £80m when the summer transfer window opens for business.
‘I can see why Arsenal are interested in him and I can see why he’s been mentioned and linked with dozens of clubs in the UK and clubs abroad as well,’ Waddle added.
‘I know he’s still got a couple of years on his contract at Newcastle, so if Alexander Isak went for £120m, they’ve got to be looking at his age, the quality and the consistency he’s shown.
You’ve got to be looking around £80-100 million, haven’t you?”
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Howe is desperate to keep hold of Tonali beyond the summer (Picture: Getty)
Tonali has made 104 appearances in all competitions across his three-year stay in Newcastle and was on the winning side last season as Howe’s men made history by lifting the Carabao Cup.
A ten-month ban – after Tonali was found to have breached Italian betting regulations – meant the midfielder played just eight league games in his debut season with the Toon.
Tonali’s current contract in the north east runs through to June 2028, with the option of a further 12 months.
FC Barcelona v Newcastle United FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg
The ex-AC Milan midfielder is in his third year at St James’ Park (Picture: Getty)
In a recent column for Betfair, club legend Alan Shearer suggested Newcastle would likely struggle to keep hold of Tonali without Champions League football next season.
‘Sandro Tonali hasn’t hit the heights he was at last season, but I guess what’ll happen is, if Newcastle aren’t going to qualify for Europe or be competitive in the Premier League, you’d expect other clubs will look at Newcastle and try to buy their best players
‘Although it was a surprise in the January window, I think it’ll happen more in the summer if Newcastle don’t achieve what they have in the past few years.
‘Top players want to play Champions League football, and we know there’s no real loyalty in football – I’m not saying Tonali will do anything like that, but we know if clubs don’t get into European places, other clubs will try and pick players up.
‘Newcastle have to start winning games and go far in the FA Cup and hopefully the Champions League to try and rescue what, at the minute, certainly Premier League wise, has been a disappointing return.
‘I know we got to a semi-final and all those years ago we’d craved for that but then the money that’s been spent and put into the club and where the club wants to go to, at the minute it’s been disappointing.’
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