Sandro Tonali has been linked with a Newcastle United exit all season.
Sandro Tonali reportedly wants to stay in the Premier League amid continued transfer speculation.
Reports linking the midfielder with a Newcastle United exit have dominated the news agenda on Tyneside this season. His agent, Beppe Riso, has publicly suggested that Tonali is likely to leave the Magpies.
As it stands, the 25-year-old is contracted until 2029 - with Newcastle having the option of an extra year. Any potential suitors would need to stump up a considerable sum to lure Tonali from St James’ Park.
Toon chiefs are keen to avoid a repeat of the Alexander Isak saga that plagued last summer’s window. Those wishing to leave could be reluctantly moved on provided their asking prices are met.
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Italian media offer fresh update
Gazzetta dello Sport claim Tonali’s camp have been “working for months” to engineer a Newcastle exit. Given his hefty valuation, a return to Italy appears unlikely - a hammer blow to Juventus.
The report suggests another Premier League club is his likely destination. Arsenal were thought to be considering a deadline-day bid in January - news that Newcastle sources swiftly dismissed.
Manchester City and Manchester United have also been linked with a possible summer swoop. As mentioned, the Magpies will not be easy negotiators, holding a position of strength due to Tonali’s contract.
What Sandro Tonali said in November
Tonali gave a far from convincing answer on his Newcastle future when speaking to reporters about his future in November. He said: “This is a tough question because in football you need to think year on year.
“I don’t want to say ‘I want to stay here 10 years’ and in two years, three years, four years, five years I will go. I want to think, just for me, year on year. This is football. Last summer was tough for us, for Alex (Isak), but this is football.
“If you have an option for your life, for another team you need to think about everything. I don’t want to say, ‘Yes, I want to stay here for 10 years but now I’m happy here. I don’t think anything about another team.”
Sandro Tonali agent goes rogue
Just days ago, Tonali’s key representative Riso suggested it is “very likely” the midfielder will join Arsenal or Manchester City. He told told Calcio&Finanza:“Newcastle are already a Champions League club, but now it’s said that Tonali is being targeted by top clubs, those aiming to win the Premier League, such as Arsenal or Manchester City. That was the aim from the moment he went to England - to try and turn him into a star player.
“I think he’s the Italian player with one of the highest values in the world. “I don’t know (whether he will join Man City or Arsenal). 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.”
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