Arsenal Urged to Avoid £100m Move for Newcastle Midfielder Sandro Tonali
Arsenal have been strongly advised to refrain from pursuing a summer transfer for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, despite growing interest from Premier League rivals. The Italian star, valued at around £100 million, has attracted attention from clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United, but former Gunners player Anders Limpar believes the move would be unnecessary for Mikel Arteta's squad.
Midfield Depth Questions Tonali's Fit at Arsenal
In an interview with SpilXperten, Limpar expressed doubts about whether Tonali could enhance Arsenal's already talent-rich midfield. 'I am not sure if Sandro Tonali can add anything to the midfield,' he stated. 'We have Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and even Merino who will come back. We have Norgaard who is unbelievable as well.' Limpar emphasized that Tonali would likely be the fifth-choice midfielder, questioning if his acquisition would truly strengthen the team.
With players like Rice and Zubimendi performing exceptionally, Limpar argued that the midfield is not a priority area for reinforcement. 'The midfield is not a spot where Arsenal needs a new player. They have five world class players, so Tonali wouldn't fit in. In my opinion we shouldn't buy him.' This sentiment comes as Tonali enjoys his third and most impressive season at St James' Park, driving Eddie Howe's midfield with standout performances.
Transfer Interest and Contract Details
Arsenal reportedly showed interest in Tonali on deadline day, seeking a replacement for the injured Mikel Merino, though no formal talks occurred with Newcastle. The midfielder is under contract until 2029, but his agent, Giuseppe Riso, has hinted at a potential summer move if Newcastle fail to secure Champions League qualification. 'We'll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer,' Riso commented, noting that discussions will depend on the season's outcome.
Alongside Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are also monitoring Tonali's situation, adding to the transfer speculation. The high valuation and competitive interest highlight Tonali's rising stock in European football, but Limpar's advice suggests Arsenal might benefit from focusing on existing squad depth rather than splashing cash on another midfielder.
Broader Implications for Arsenal's Strategy
This debate underscores broader questions about Arsenal's transfer strategy and squad planning. With key players returning from injury and others excelling, the club faces decisions on where to allocate resources. Limpar's insights reflect a cautious approach, advocating for trust in current talents like Norgaard, who could shine if given more playing time.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal's management will weigh these opinions against potential opportunities. The outcome could influence not only their midfield dynamics but also their competitiveness in the Premier League and European competitions. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if the Gunners heed Limpar's warning or pursue a bold move for Tonali.
