Arsenal were linked with a late move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali in the January transfer window.
However, journalist Fabrizio Romano dismissed the reports, but admitted that Arsenal were monitoring his situation.
Tuttomercatoweb now reports that the Gunners have opened talks with Newcastle over a potential move for the Italian.
The Italian outlet claims that manager Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen his midfield options, and has set his sights’ on Tonali.
Tonali could be tempted to join Arsenal
Described as the ‘best midfielder in the Premier League‘ by pundit Paul Scholes, Tonali enjoyed another brilliant individual campaign at Newcastle, despite the club’s own struggles this season.
The Italian averaged 1.0 tackle, 0.9 interceptions, and 1.1 interceptions per game in the Premier League this season.
He completed 84 percent of his passes and created six big chances — a tally bettered by only three players in the Newcastle side.
Newcastle are reportedly open to selling him to balance their books after failing to qualify for the Champions League. They are demanding at least £100 million for him.
Tonali would be tempted to join Arsenal, although he is also being targeted by Manchester United and Manchester City.
He could be lured by the prospect of winning trophies, an opportunity he might not get at United and City, who are expected to be in transition under new permanent managers next season.
Arsenal just pocketed £198.7 million from winning the Premier League, putting them in a strong position to sign Tonali. However, it remains to be seen whether they would be ready to meet his valuation.
Arsenal need to sign a new central midfielder, with Christian Norgaard likely to leave.
The new Premier League champions have also been credited with an interest in West Ham United midfielder Matheus Fernandes.
Stats from sofascore.com