Former England striker Darren Bent has warned Arsenal against splashing £100 million on Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, urging the club to strengthen other areas of the squad instead.
Tonali at the centre of a Premier League tug-of-war
The 26-year-old Italy international is the subject of intense interest this summer, with Premier League champions Arsenal far from alone in their pursuit. Manchester United, Manchester City, and Serie A giants Juventus are all monitoring the situation, while Newcastle are increasingly resigned to losing their prized asset.
Reports from Italy on Monday claimed Tottenham had 'forcefully' entered the race, with manager Roberto De Zerbi playing a central role in the pursuit. Tonali is understood to be 'open' to a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, despite the club narrowly avoiding relegation last season.
Newcastle are reportedly demanding a staggering £100 million for the midfielder, who signed a new contract in January tying him to St James' Park until 2029.
Bent: 'Arsenal aren't paying £100m for Tonali'
Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent, a lifelong Arsenal fan, said: 'Listen, Arsenal aren't paying £100m for Tonali. He's a very good player but that's a position Arsenal don't need to worry about. Yes, I'd love to take him at Arsenal, 100 per cent, but not for £100m.'
Bent believes Tonali would be 'brilliant' for Manchester United but reiterated that £100m is too steep. He valued the midfielder at £80m or £85m, calling that 'reasonable'.
Tottenham's project could sway Tonali
Turning to Tottenham's hopes, Bent suggested De Zerbi could be key. 'What you're going to have to sell to Tonali is the project,' Bent said. 'De Zerbi will say, "I get it, we've had a couple of down years… but we're starting to rebuild and you could be that crown jewel right in the middle." If they can sell that project, maybe they get it over the line.'
Bent also questioned whether Tottenham represent a step up from Newcastle, noting the Magpies' recent success.
Agent hints at stepping stone
Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, previously suggested Newcastle was viewed as a stepping stone. In an interview with Calcio e Finanza, Riso said: '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.' Riso added that the goal was to make Tonali a star player.
