Three clubs want Sandro Tonali and Newcastle hold all power

Sandro Tonali’s future at Newcastle United is becoming one of the more compelling midfield stories of the summer, with the Manchester Evening News reporting a growing feeling that the Italian wants a route out of St James’ Park, and that if that happens, his likeliest destination is another Premier League club.

The complication for anyone hoping to sign him is that Newcastle are not in a weak financial position. Following the sale of Anthony Gordon, the club are in a considerably stronger place and have no need to accept a discounted offer for one of their most important midfielders. That means if Tonali genuinely wants to leave, the onus will fall on him to push the issue and force the situation himself. Newcastle hold the contractual and financial power here, and this will not be a bargain deal for anyone.

Arsenal’s long-standing interest in Sandro Tonali

Arsenal have been linked with Tonali for months, and the situation has been given additional credibility by two separate developments. His agent’s comments earlier this year were widely interpreted as an admiring glance towards the Emirates, and Fabrizio Romano has since reported that Arsenal are genuinely keen on the midfielder. It makes obvious sense. Mikel Arteta’s side need high-level midfield depth following their Premier League title win and Champions League final defeat, and Tonali would bring control, aggression, experience and tactical intelligence to a group that has performed at the highest level but has lacked genuine top-quality cover in the engine room.

Manchester United and Manchester City are also monitoring the situation

Manchester United represent another credible option. Michael Carrick is rebuilding the midfield and the club have already agreed a deal to sign Atalanta’s Ederson, but reports suggest Man United are still exploring elite midfield profiles beyond that agreement. Tonali would instantly improve their tempo and physicality and represents exactly the kind of experience Carrick’s rebuilding squad needs alongside younger options.

Manchester City’s interest is more conditional. Their pursuit of Tonali depends significantly on whether they can complete a deal for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, whose opening bid from Manchester City was rejected with Forest reportedly demanding more than £100 million for the England midfielder. Fabrizio Romano has suggested Tonali is a strong option for City if the Anderson deal cannot be completed. If Man City land Anderson, they will likely exit the Tonali race entirely.

Three elite clubs, one player who wants to leave and a selling club with no financial pressure to move. The Tonali situation has the makings of one of the summer’s longest-running sagas, and with Newcastle knowing their leverage, nobody should expect a quick resolution.