Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is reportedly considering his options this summer, with Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City all keen on the Italian
Manchester City have entered the race to secure Sandro Tonali’s signature, with Enzo Maresca keen to make an immediate impact as the club’s new manager.
The FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders have maintained their pursuit of the Newcastle midfielder, with sources close to Tonali’s representatives indicating that Man City represent a credible threat to prise him away from St James’ Park.
Spurs saw an £80million offer turned down by the Magpies earlier this month, with Newcastle holding out for a figure nearer £100m.
Tonali has reached an agreement in principle with Spurs over personal terms worth £275,000 per week on a lucrative six-year contract, which would also see his agency GR Sports receive a 10% portion of the transfer fee – terms that Man City could comfortably replicate.
City are seeking to fill the void left by Portugal international Bernardo Silva and require additional support for Spain midfielder Rodri, having previously targeted Tonali during Pep Guardiola’s tenure.
Man City have recently invested £116m in Geordie lad Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest but possess the financial muscle to execute another significant signing in Tonali.
The former AC Milan midfielder was presented to Arsenal, though the Gunners were deterred by his salary expectations and the substantial agent commissions attached to the transaction.
Arsenal have subsequently redirected their focus towards Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazil international having departed for the World Cup without committing to fresh terms, reports Chronicle Live.
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Spurs will continue to believe they hold the advantage in the pursuit of Tonali, but the appeal of an ambitious Man City side determined to defend their crown against Arsenal will present a significant draw for the Italy international.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is understood to share a strong bond with Giuseppe Riso, and his representative has consistently been open about the possibility of departing Newcastle.
Speaking in March regarding a potential move away from St James’ Park to clubs such as Arsenal or Manchester City, Riso commented: “Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world.
“The deal came about because a club like Newcastle, with unlimited financial resources, had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league.”
When questioned three months ago about whether Newcastle would be prepared to sell Tonali this summer, CEO David Hopkinson stated: “We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer.
“But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we’re going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club.”
