Sandro Tonali has made a decisive choice regarding his future, favouring a move to Arsenal after Tottenham Hotspur submitted a £75 million bid for the Newcastle United midfielder. Tottenham's offer was immediately rejected by Newcastle, who are holding out for at least £85 million for the Italy international.
Tonali's Premier League Rise
Since his £55 million move from AC Milan in 2023, Tonali has developed into one of the Premier League's top midfielders. He played a key role in helping Eddie Howe's side win the Carabao Cup and secure Champions League qualification. The 26-year-old served a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations shortly after arriving at St James' Park but has since rehabilitated his reputation over the past two seasons.
Arsenal's Interest and Priorities
Arsenal have been linked with Tonali for some time, reviving their interest ahead of the summer transfer window as they look to strengthen Mikel Arteta's title-winning squad. However, the Gunners are currently prioritising a deal for England World Cup star Morgan Rogers and are also seeking a new striker. Despite this, Tonali's preference remains a move to the Premier League champions if Arsenal formalise their interest. According to the Daily Mail, Tonali is 'open' to joining Tottenham despite their recent struggles, which nearly saw them relegated to the Championship, but he would still prefer Arsenal.
Other Suitors and Potential Replacement
Manchester United were also linked but have looked elsewhere after learning of Newcastle's steep demands. Manchester City admire Tonali but are weighing up a British record deal for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. Newcastle are already planning for Tonali's departure, targeting Netherlands international Kees Smit as his replacement.
Jermaine Jenas Backs Tonali to Arsenal
Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas has endorsed Arsenal's pursuit of Tonali, calling him a significant upgrade on current midfielder Martin Zubimendi. 'I think Sandro Tonali is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, in my opinion,' Jenas told 10bet. 'He had his misdemeanour, came back, and I thought his attitude from that exact point onward has been brilliant. He’s a dictator of a game; he sets the pace and sets the tone every time he plays. He did the same when he was at AC Milan.'
Jenas added: 'When I look at that Arsenal midfield, I was never fully convinced by Martin Zubimendi, if I’m honest with you. I think he’s a decent, solid player, but Tonali would definitely be a level up in that midfield alongside Declan Rice. Though I am a bit surprised that Arsenal’s focus isn’t more forward-thinking than that. I don’t think their midfield is terrible – you’ve got young Myles Lewis-Skelly who has the ability to step in there as well. So Tonali is a great player, and it would be a good move, but I don’t think it’s exactly what they desperately need. I still think they need a proper, out-and-out striker and a specialist on that left wing.'
Meanwhile, Premier League legend Jaap Stam has named Tonali as one of the two midfielders Manchester United should target.
