Arsenal have been given a significant boost in their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, with the Italy international reportedly preferring a move to the Emirates Stadium over Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old is expected to leave St James' Park this summer, with Newcastle ready to reluctantly part ways with the former AC Milan captain.
Newcastle demands £85m for Tonali
Newcastle have set an asking price of £85 million for Tonali, who joined the club for £55 million nearly three years ago. Tottenham made an opening offer of £75 million, which was immediately dismissed by the Magpies. Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is keen to reunite with his compatriot, but Newcastle are holding out for a higher fee.
According to the Daily Mail, Tonali's preference is to join Arsenal, who could enter the running once a fee is agreed between Newcastle and Tottenham. Arsenal were offered the chance to sign Tonali on the last day of the January transfer window, but there was insufficient time to finalise a deal.
Arsenal's midfield overhaul
After winning the Premier League title last season, Arsenal are ready to invest heavily in the summer transfer window, focusing on reshaping their midfield and forward line. Christian Norgaard is likely to depart, while manager Mikel Arteta is prepared to sanction the sale of captain Martin Odegaard if a suitable offer arrives.
Declan Rice has been urging the £85 million-rated midfielder to complete a transfer to Arsenal, further strengthening the Gunners' position in the race for Tonali's signature.
Tottenham's transfer strategy
Spurs are expected to return with a second bid for Tonali as they attempt to secure their transfer business early and avoid the mistakes that have led to consecutive 17th-placed finishes. Deals for Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Savinho are at various stages of completion, but negotiations over Tonali are proving more problematic.
Manchester City are monitoring the situation but are currently preoccupied with finalising a deal for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and resolving Rodri's future.
Newcastle's replacement plans
Newcastle are already planning for Tonali's departure and have identified his potential replacement. Recruitment staff have been working through a number of options to strengthen the midfield, with AZ Alkmaar's Smit emerging as a prime target. The 20-year-old Dutch midfielder has attracted interest from Europe's top clubs and is valued at over £60 million.
After Smit missed out on a place in Ronald Koeman's Netherlands World Cup squad, Newcastle hope they can tempt him with the prospect of regular first-team football.
