Arsenal turned down the opportunity to sign Sandro Tonali ahead of Tottenham Hotspur for two reasons, according to reputed journalist Lee Ryder.
The Gunners were credited with an interest in the Italy international earlier this year, and it was anticipated that they could make an approach for him.
However, the Premier League champions never formally entered the pursuit. Spurs had an easy path to sign Tonali once they met the Magpies’ £100m price tag.
Ryder has now revealed that the Gunners turned down the chance to sign the 26-year-old due to his wage demands as well as his agent’s commission.
Arsenal made the right decision on Tonali
The Brescia graduate has been a key player for Newcastle in recent years. His midfield partnership alongside Bruno Guimaraes has been largely appreciated.
However, Tonali is still behind Guimaraes in overall ability. Looking at last season’s league stats, the latter was undoubtedly the better midfielder despite an injury absence.
Guimaraes made an impressive 15 goal contributions compared to Tonali’s tally of just two.
The 28-year-old won twice as many duels (5.8 to 3.1) and tackles as Tonali (2.1 to 1). Keeping this in mind, Spurs may feel that they have overpaid for Tonali’s services.
In our view, Arsenal have made the right decision over Tonali. Aside from the fee, his £270,000-per-week salary does not justify his performances over the past year.
The Gunners would be better off signing Guimaraes instead, but Tonali’s transfer to Spurs could mean Newcastle could demand a significant fee for the Brazilian star.
Arsenal have already failed with an opening verbal offer worth £45m, and believe £65m could be sufficient to sign the former Lyon man.
However, that price could increase further, now that the Magpies have secured £170m from the departures of Anthony Gordon and Tonali.
Stats from Sofascore & Transfermarkt