Sandro Tonali's agent Giuseppe Riso has frustrated Newcastle chiefs with fresh comments suggesting the club was a stepping stone, with Man City and Man Utd linked to the midfielder
17:05, 14 Mar 2026Updated 17:06, 14 Mar 2026
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United running during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Newcastle United and Manchester City on March 7, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
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Sandro Tonali's agent has been discussing the Italian's future
Newcastle United bosses are thought to be exasperated with the latest comments from Sandro Tonali's representative. Tonali remains under contract at Newcastle until at least 2028, yet his agent Giuseppe Riso has again discussed his client's prospects.
While Arsenal sources acknowledge Tonali isn't on the Gunners' radar, Man City and Man United continue to be associated with the midfielder.
Riso has fielded enquiries from Italian publication Calcio and Finanza and has hinted that Newcastle served as a springboard to a more prestigious club.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James' Park on March 10, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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Sandro Tonali has been linked to Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City(Image: George Wood, Getty Images)
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When questioned about his switch to Newcastle, Riso remarked: "The deal came about because a club like Newcastle with unlimited financial resources had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league."
Regarding a potential departure from Tyneside to possibly Arsenal or Manchester City, Riso commented: "Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player.
"I think he's the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world," reports Chronicle Live.
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Discussing the likelihood of Tonali becoming sought-after property following the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, Riso stated: "If he shines at the World Cup, will City or Arsenal be hot on his heels? I don't know. But it's very likely.
"Everyone is waiting for the World Cup; then a thousand scenarios will unfold, but it all kicks off after the World Cup."
That said, Italy must still triumph in a play-off against Northern Ireland before meeting either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina if they are to secure a spot in next summer's finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada.