Arsenal were sounded out over a move for Sandro Tonali and reports suggest he could leave Newcastle United this summer
Manchester United have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Arsenal-linked midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Gunners could have a clear run on their Premier League rivals for the Newcastle United star should he leave this summer.
The Magpies, who failed to qualify for European football last season, have made the Italian available for transfer according to the website Tuttomercatoweb. According to reports, Eddie Howe’s side are under strain to comply with financial regularions after failing to finish in the top five and secure their place in the Champions League. Tonali emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal during the January transfer window but nothing materialised.
Newcastle are said to value the 26-year-old in excess of €100million (£86m). Arsenal are keen not to stand still having ended their 20-year wait to win the Premier League, as they look to go one better after losing in the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain.
Tonali is said to want to continue playing in Europe’s elite competition having featured for Newcastle during their run to the round of 16, where they were brushed aside by Barcelona.
Arsenal could be in with the chance to sign him and Fabrizio Romano has recently claimed that Man United have cooled their interest having baulked at the price-tag.
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He said: “Manchester United are not going for Sandro Tonali at this stage. The intention of Manchester United is not to proceed.
“Manchester United has been interested in Tonali for some time, and he’s been on Manchester United’s shortlist, but now Manchester United believe that the player is too expensive.”
The Athletic previously reported that the Italian’s representatives contacted Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta to sound out the North London club over a potential move.
Romano also suggested that Arsenal made contact over the possibility to sign Tonali this summer. Already, the Premier League champions have Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Norgaard and Spanish duo Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi as their options in midfield.
The reporter added: “On Sandro Tonali, the appreciation remains, but my understanding is that he is not particularly close to a move to Manchester United right now.
“The overall cost – both the transfer fee and salary – is considered too high at this stage, so United are cold on the deal as of today.
“Tonali could be an option for Manchester City, though their current focus is on Elliot Anderson, a player also appreciated by United, who are still monitoring the situation.
“Beyond those two clubs, Arsenal have made calls over recent days regarding Tonali, putting them in the mix as well. More clubs could yet join the race, so the situation around Sandro Tonali may become very interesting.”
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