Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali would prefer a move to Arsenal despite the ongoing pursuit from Tottenham Hotspur, according to journalist Luke Edwards.
The Italy international has been touted to leave the Magpies this summer, and Spurs have already made an opening bid of £80 million, which has been turned down.
Eddie Howe’s side are looking for a package of around £100m for their prized asset, and Edwards has now revealed that Tonali does not really wish to join Tottenham.
He added that the 26-year-old ‘would prefer’ to sign for Arsenal or Manchester City instead.
Tonali talk could be agent-driven via media
The Gunners were linked with a surprise move for Tonali before the transfer deadline last winter. It was reported that the club were exploring a deal after Mikel Merino’s foot surgery.
However, it later emerged that the player’s representative had offered the midfielder to the Gunners rather than Arsenal making a move. The Gunners did not engage in talks with the Magpies.
It could be a similar pattern this summer. Tonali’s representative, Giuseppe Riso, highlighted Champions League qualification last winter, and the Italian may want to play in the elite competition.
Arsenal and Man City would provide the European exposure to Tonali, but the route has been closed to the Cityzens following their verbal agreement to land Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
The Gunners are still looking for a marquee midfielder this summer, but judging by their lack of interest in Tonali, it appears his agent is pushing hard for a proposal rather than them contemplating an offer.
The Premier League champions are interested in signing Tonali’s teammate and Newcastle United captain, Bruno Guimaraes, instead, who would be a much better acquisition for them.
Guimaraes won almost twice as many duels (5.8 to 3.1) and tackles (2.1 to 1.1) as Tonali did in the Premier League last term. The pair made an equal number of ball recoveries (four).
Despite operating as a holding midfielder, Guimaraes made 15 goal contributions to Tonali’s two. He also had better passing accuracy and got himself into several quality scoring positions.
Guimaraes may be turning 29 in November this year, but he is playing at the prime of his career. Arsenal could be prepared to pay a high fee for him, as he would provide a solid upgrade.
Stats from Sofascore.com