Arsenal are considering a move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, with manager Mikel Arteta reportedly pushing for a move.
Manchester United and Manchester City have also been linked with the Italian. However, United consider a deal too expensive and are now focusing on other targets.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano now claims that Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race to sign the Italy international.
Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi has identified Tonali as a key target. He believes his potential signing would represent a huge statement for the club.
Newcastle are not under pressure to sell Tonali following Anthony Gordon’s £69 million move to Barcelona.
However, the Magpies are ready to listen to offers for the Italian midfielder. They value him in excess of £100 million, meaning a deal would be similar to the fee Arsenal paid for Declan Rice.
Tonali’s wages and agents commission would further increase the overall cost of a potential transfer.
City have shown more concrete interest in the former AC Milan man, but their priority target remains Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
Arsenal now have to make a decision on whether to step up their pursuit of the Brescia academy graduate.
Tonali can play several roles in midfield owing to his technical qualities. He can dictate the tempo of a game from deep, carry the ball forward, and break opposition lines with his progressive passing.
While he wins most of his duels, he does not regain possession as often as other central midfielders.
Tonali would be a good addition for Arsenal, provided the Gunners can secure him for a fee below his current valuation.
The north London side have also set sights on other midfield targets. They reportedly have a concrete interest in Roma’s Manu Kone and are also pursuing Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi.