Arsenal are firmly in the running to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali after Manchester United reportedly cooled their interest in the Italian.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Manchester United have decided not to proceed with a move for the 26-year-old this summer.
Romano stated: “Manchester United are not going for Sandro Tonali at this stage. The intention of Manchester United is not to proceed.”
He added that United had tracked Tonali for some time but ultimately decided the overall cost was simply too high to justify.
Romano explained: “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.”
Newcastle are reported to value the Italian international in excess of €100 million, which equates to around £86 million in the current market.
The Magpies have made Tonali available for transfer after failing to qualify for European football last season, placing them under financial strain to comply with regulations.
Tonali himself is understood to be keen on remaining in European football’s top competition, having featured during Newcastle’s Champions League campaign before they were eliminated by Barcelona in the round of 16.
Arsenal were first sounded out over a potential move during the January transfer window, when The Athletic reported that Tonali’s representatives contacted Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta to gauge their interest.
Romano confirmed that Arsenal have since made further contact, saying: “Arsenal have made calls over recent days regarding Tonali, putting them in the mix as well.”
The Premier League champions are looking to build on their historic title win, which ended a 20-year wait, having also suffered heartbreak in the Champions League final after losing to Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal already possess considerable midfield depth, with Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Norgaard, Mikel Merino, and Martin Zubimendi all available to manager Mikel Arteta.
Despite that depth, the club are clearly eager to strengthen further and Tonali’s technical quality and experience in elite European competition would represent a significant addition.
Romano also noted that Manchester City could enter the picture, though their current focus appears to be directed elsewhere rather than on the Newcastle man.
He said: “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.”
Romano concluded that the situation could develop considerably in the weeks ahead, warning: “More clubs could yet join the race, so the situation around Sandro Tonali may become very interesting.”
Arsenal’s decision to make direct contact suggests they are serious about adding Tonali to their ranks as they look to defend their Premier League crown and go deeper in Europe next season.
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