Newcastle United are becoming resigned to losing Sandro Tonali ahead of the summer transfer window but will want around £80m to part ways with the midfielder.
The 25-year-old Italian has been one of the most influential players at St James’ Park over the past two seasons, only missing four Premier League games in that period.
Newcastle paid £55m to sign Tonali from AC Milan in 2023 but his progress in the Premier League was almost immediately halted by a ten-month ban for breaching FA betting rules.
Tonali has had a huge impact on the Magpies since returning at the start of last season, however, helping Newcastle win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League.
The midfielder’s form has not gone unnoticed with other clubs and Tonali was linked with a shock move to Premier League leaders Arsenal a few months ago on transfer deadline day.
Newcastle quickly dismissed rumours he could leave mid-season but speculation surrounding Tonali’s future will only ramp up ahead of the summer.
Arsenal continue to be linked with the former Serie A winner, while Manchester United have also expressed interest as they look for some much-needed midfield reinforcements.
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Tonali was believed to be open to joining one of those two Premier League giants but talkSPORT say his preference is in fact a return to Italy.
Newcastle have slapped an asking price of £80m on Tonali, however, meaning a move back to Serie A is extremely unlikely.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal or Manchester United would be willing to pay that figure for a player entering his prime years.
England legend Chris Waddle has questioned if title favourites Arsenal ‘really need’ Tonali, suggesting he is too similar to current Gunners midfielder Declan Rice.
‘They’ve got Declan Rice and they’ve got Martin Zubimendi, who’s a very good player. But Arsenal seem to collect players,’ Waddle told FootballTransfers on behalf of 10bet.
‘Tonali has had a couple of great seasons, he’s got better this season. He’s a good age and I’m not surprised there’s a lot of clubs interested in him.
Which club will Sandro Tonali be at next season?
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Newcastle United
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Arsenal
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Manchester United
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Someone else
‘He’s a very economical player, he’s a little bit like Declan Rice, let’s be honest, he’s very consistent with his pass ratio, he’s got a good shot and he’s got a good engine.
‘In my mind, he’s a very similar player to Declan Rice, though. Do Arsenal really need another player like that? I know squads strengthen every year and that’s how football moves on.’
Manchester United have been strongly linked with moves for Premier League midfielders Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba over the past 12 months.
But ex-United coach Rene Meulensteen has encouraged the club to pursue a move for Tonali in the summer transfer window.
‘Sandro Tonali is a good player and he’s done really well for Newcastle,’ Meulensteen told BetGoat.
‘The rumours I heard were that he possibly wanted to go back to Italy, but he’s definitely a good player who understands how to play that role in midfield and he’s a good passer of the ball.’
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