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Arsenal on red alert as top summer target 'up for sale'

18 May 2026 09:01 BST | 4 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to sell Arsenal target Sandro Tonali during the upcoming summer transfer window as they look to raise funds before the start of next season.

The Italy international has been one of the Magpies’ standout performers this season and the club have previously been reluctant to sanction a sale in order to ensure Eddie Howe still has a talented squad at his disposal next campaign.

However, Italian publication Corriere della Sera" href="https://www.corriere.it/sport/calciomercato/26_maggio_15/tonali-futuro-ultime-news-manchester-united-newcastle-bad27b1a-6e57-4ced-b0a9-3bd98f0c1xlk.shtml?refresh_ce" target="_blank">Corriere della Sera claim that a u-turn has been made, with Newcastle now placing Tonali ‘up for sale’ amid significant interest from both Arsenal and Manchester United.

As exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers earlier this year" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/02/exclusive-arsenal-transfer-news-sandro-tonali-newcastle-united-summer-2026-steve-kay" target="_blank">As exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers earlier this year, Tonali is one of Arsenal’s top midfield targets for this summer, with the club ready to pursue a deal as they look to bolster the options available to head coach Mikel Arteta ahead of 2026-27.

Meanwhile, Man Utd have earmarked the 26-year-old as a possible replacement for the departing Casemiro, although they are also interested in the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Mateus Fernandes and several others.

As per Corriere della Sera, it’s Man Utd who are currently leading the race to sign Tonali this summer, with the Italian highly likely to leave Newcastle if a suitable bid is lodged during the upcoming transfer window.

Tonali, who has registered 10 goal contributions in 53 appearances for Newcastle so far this season, has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) just shy of €70 million and he is one of several stars who could depart St James’ Park this summer, alongside Valentino Livramento, Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade.

Sandro Tonali, Newcastle

Analysis: Why Arsenal want to sign Sandro Tonali

While Man Utd are reportedly the frontrunners to secure Tonali’s signature this summer, Arsenal are also keeping close tabs on his situation at Newcastle and it’s no surprise why.

The Gunners already have an excellent core of midfielders, especially with Myles Lewis-Skelly recently being moved into the middle of the park, but adding greater depth is essential ahead of next season.

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have both suffered with injury problems this year after playing a significant amount of football under Arteta in recent seasons, and a similar situation could feasibly befall Declan Rice in 2026-27 if reliable cover doesn’t arrive.

The England international has played 156 games since his arrival at Arsenal from West Ham United in 2023 and while he has been fully fit throughout his time at the club thus far, measures must be taken to make sure that status doesn’t change.

Securing the signing of Tonali would enable Arteta to rotate Rice far more frequently, and ensure he is kept fresh throughout next season.