Arsenal have received a positive indication on one of their key transfer targets.
The Gunners want to sign Sandro Tonali but face intense competition from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle United recently rejected an offer worth £75 million from Tottenham.
According to the Daily Mail, Tonali is open to joining Spurs but Arsenal are understood to be his preference should they firm up their interest.
The Gunners were also linked with Tonali during the winter transfer window.
Although they stopped short of making an offer at the time, the groundwork appears to have already been laid.
Manager Mikel Arteta is eager to add another elite midfielder as Arsenal prepare to defend their Premier League crown.
A midfield partnership between Tonali and Declan Rice has the potential to be one of the most complete in Europe.
Both players combine relentless work rate with the ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch.
Newcastle are demanding a fee in excess of £100m before considering a sale.
Following a spectacular 2025-26 campaign, Arsenal have the financial power to make a statement signing.
They must go all-in for Tonali before Spurs make a tempting offer that could be too good to turn down.
Tottenham possess the attraction of working under Roberto De Zerbi, but they will not be playing in the UEFA Champions League next term.
In fact, they are still some way from competing for major honours compared to Arsenal.
The Premier League champions are also looking to sign a marquee left winger and a full-back.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com