Arsenal have initiated contact with Newcastle United to explore a deal for midfielder Sandro Tonali, potentially hijacking a move that Manchester United appeared close to securing. According to reports from TeamTalk and Tuttomercatoweb, the newly-crowned Premier League champions have entered the race for the 26-year-old Italian international, with Sporting Director Andrea Berta leading the negotiations. Newcastle are understood to be demanding a fee in the region of €100m (£86m) for the former AC Milan player, following a season in which they failed to qualify for European competition. While Manchester United have reportedly held positive personal terms discussions, Arsenal’s late intervention seeks to capitalise on the Midfielder's desire for Champions League football.
Carrick’s United priority vs Arsenal’s midfield succession
The pursuit of Tonali represents a significant tactical pivot for both clubs. Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has identified the Italian as his primary target to replace the departing Casemiro, seeking a technical anchor to transition the club’s midfield. Gianluca Di Marzio, speaking via Football365, suggested that Tonali is the first specific recruitment request of the Carrick era. However, Arsenal’s requirement is equally pressing; with Thomas Partey’s contract expiring, Mikel Arteta requires a high-level partner for Declan Rice to maintain their domestic dominance. Having secured the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final, Arsenal offer the immediate competitive platform Newcastle lack after their mid-table finish.
Newcastle’s PSR position and the gentleman's agreement
Newcastle’s willingness to entertain bids follows a pattern of enforced sales to satisfy Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), evidenced by the previous departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool. Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson told Chronicle Live that any exits would remain "on our terms," though reports of a gentleman's agreement between Tonali and the club have surfaced. This arrangement reportedly permits his departure if Newcastle fail to reach the Champions League. Having missed that target, the club is now braced for a bidding war. Arsenal’s financial position, bolstered by a deep European run and a league-winning campaign, allows them to match the £86m valuation, though local sources in the North East suggest the Gunners' interest may yet be at an exploratory stage.
Both clubs are expected to formalise their proposals before the June PSR accounting deadline to provide Newcastle with necessary financial clarity.