Despite the ongoing search for a permanent manager, Chelsea's recruitment machine shows no signs of slowing down, with the club now linked with a surprise move for a Premier League rival's star.
Chelsea's Managerial Void Doesn't Halt Transfer Plans
Chelsea's pursuit of new talent continues unabated, even as the Stamford Bridge dugout remains without a permanent occupant. The departure of Enzo Maresca, who is rumoured to be in line to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, has not stalled the club's scouting and targeting process. With potential new boss Liam Rosenior yet to be officially appointed, the Blues' hierarchy is pressing ahead with identifying reinforcements, with one name standing out as a significant and established target.
Tonali's Ambiguous Stance Sparks Speculation
According to reports from Football Insider, Chelsea have 'set their sights' on Newcastle United's Italian international midfielder, Sandro Tonali. The interest comes amid suggestions the 25-year-old may be open to a new challenge, despite only joining the Magpies in a £55 million move from AC Milan in 2023.
The speculation has been fuelled by Tonali's own recent comments regarding his future. Speaking to The Chronicle just weeks ago, the midfielder offered a notably non-committal response. "I don't want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years [or] five years I will go," Tonali stated. "I want to think, just for me, year for year. This is football... If you have an option for your life, for another team you need to think about everything."
Although he affirmed he is currently happy at Newcastle, his refusal to pledge long-term loyalty has inevitably led to transfer rumours. Tonali, who served a 10-month ban for gambling offences after his transfer, is under contract until 2028, with an option to extend until 2030.
The 'Pirlo-esque' Piece in Chelsea's Midfield Puzzle
From a tactical perspective, Tonali is viewed as a potential missing link for Chelsea. His profile as a deep-lying playmaker who excels at dictating tempo is seen as the ideal complement to the more energetic and aggressive styles of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
This assessment is shared by his current manager, Eddie Howe, who last season drew direct comparisons between Tonali and Italian legend Andrea Pirlo. "When I first saw Sandro play, there were definite links to Pirlo, without a doubt - and it's not just the hair," Howe told BBC Sport. He praised Tonali's technical and tactical qualities, but highlighted his exceptional athleticism as a key differentiator.
Any move for the 30-cap Azzurri star would not be straightforward. Newcastle's sporting director, Russell Wilson, is known as a tough negotiator, and the Magpies would be highly reluctant to sell a key asset to a direct rival, especially one signed for such a significant fee so recently.
Nevertheless, the story underscores Chelsea's intent to build a dominant midfield capable of controlling the modern game, with Sandro Tonali emerging as a prime, if ambitious, target to achieve that goal.
