Magpies stat Tonali has been linked with a move to the Premier League champions this summer
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal is challenged by Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United
Sandro Tonali has been linked with a move to Arsenal
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Arsenal have been told they have bigger transfer priorities than signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United this summer - even though he is a quality player.
The Gunners have again been linked with a move for the Magpies' Italy international, although talk of early transfer discussions taking place has been dismissed.
United have been open about the need to sell some top players if they are to continue to invest in Eddie Howe's squad, with PSR restrictions meaning the club cannot simply keep spending without balancing the books somewhat.
Anthony Gordon is expected to leave this summer, while there has been plenty of interest in Tonali, especially since the January transfer window, with Arsenal, Man City, Man United and Real Madrid linked.
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Former Gunners legend Ray Parlour admits to being a huge fan of Tonali, but feels Mikel Arteta needs to focus on other areas of his title-winning squad.
"He's a top player, there's no doubt about that," he told 10bet "You've always got to be in the hunt when you've got players of this quality.
"But Martin Zubimendi has just gone off the boil a little bit. He had a really good start to the season - he's one of my players who I've really enjoyed watching -but he's just dropped off a little bit. That's why Myles Lewis-Skelly has got his opportunity.
"But I'm sure there will be a lot of takers for Tonali because I do like the way he plays and he's strong - a box-to-box player.
"They're like the old-fashioned midfielders, you can do a bit of both - get forward and you can also defend well. So it’ll be interesting to see what Arsenal's plans are.
"But I think for me, Arsenal’s transfer priorities are a striker first, and maybe a left winger before they start thinking about Tonali or anyone else."
It's a huge summer for Newcastle, with head coach Howe acknowledging they must get it right in the transfer window if they are to challenge again at the top end of the Premier League table
Howe came under scutiny towards the end of last season as United's league form slump, but has emerged with the backing of the club's owners, and Parlour feels that's the right decision.
"He deserves to be kept on," he added on the Newcastle boss. "Definitely. I mean, again, a lot of clubs would like Eddie Howe.
"He's had a few injuries here and there, but I think Eddie certainly gets another opportunity next season."
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