Sandro Tonali has been linked with a summer move to Manchester United, following Casemiro’s departure announcement in January.
While Manchester United have to focus on many different areas of the pitch, and in fact in the dugout, during the summer, the priority position is no doubt defensive midfield.
In January, Casemiro confirmed he would leave Old Trafford at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract, and he has already turned down one potential move to one of his former clubs.
Manuel Ugarte has also been linked with a move away from the club, as he could fall under the new two-year rule Jason Wilcox appears to have employed. In simple terms, if you don’t live up to expectations within two years of signing for the club, as a senior player, you are listed for transfer and moved out of the door. Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana are examples from last summer.
If both Casemiro and Ugarte leave United, then two new midfielders will be needed as the new head coach, or Michael Carrick under a new title, looks to lead the Red Devils into the 2026/27 season, potentially with Champions League football to play, too.
Sandro Tonali is one of the many to be linked to United as a Casemiro replacement for the summer, but any potential deal may have hit a stumbling block as United enter the business end of the Premier League.
Tonali’s agents speak on summer transfer
Tonali’s form at Newcastle United hasn’t just caught the eye of Manchester United, but also of Arsenal and Manchester City, with clubs in Europe also believed to be interested.
While his preference isn’t yet known, it seems his agent may be in favour of a move to Arsenal or Manchester City after a recent interview with Calcio Finanza.
The agent said: “Yes. In England, the mentality is different, and every time Sandro entered the stadium, despite his suspension, he received a standing ovation from the crowd. We’re talking about a guy who made a mistake, the fans noticed, and he was forgiven. Now, Sandro has completely changed.”
When asked about interest from Premier League aspiring sides Arsenal and City, they said: “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.”
Manchester United were snubbed from the questioning.
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United must ask quickly for Tonali
Competition for Tonali is high, as there seems to be with all of United’s midfield targets for the summer. But if United want to sign Tonali, they have to act fast.
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If Arsenal and Manchester City are after the Italy international, they will have the advantage over United, as the atmosphere is much more stable, but United’s return to the Champions League could give them the push they need to stay in the fight.
A move for Tonali could also cause upset for other midfield targets. For example, if Arsenal signed Tonali, Newcastle may begin to look at some of United’s other options to replace Casemiro.
United must act fast to avoid being left with the bottom of the barrel, as they so often have been.
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