In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Sandro Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, has dropped a major hint about the Newcastle United midfielder’s future. Speaking to TuttoSport, Riso confirmed that “transfer discussions will take place later,” signaling that the €100m-rated Italian phenom could be on the move as early as the summer of 2026. And if reports are to be believed, Tonali himself is pushing for a blockbuster switch to Arsenal, leaving Mikel Arteta and the Gunners’ hierarchy buzzing with excitement.
The 25-year-old Italy international has been a standout performer for Newcastle since his high-profile arrival from AC Milan, but whispers of discontent have grown louder amid the Magpies’ struggles to secure consistent Champions League football. According to exclusive insights from TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Arsenal were informally approached about signing Tonali on the final day of the winter transfer window. While that deal didn’t materialize, the interest hasn’t waned. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has affirmed that the North London club remains keen on a summer 2026 swoop for the dynamic midfielder.
But it’s the latest update from Football Transfers that has truly ignited the rumor mill. The outlet claims Arsenal is Tonali’s “preferred destination,” with the player reportedly instructing his agent to reach out to the Emirates Stadium on deadline day. This proactive stance suggests Tonali is ready to force the issue if necessary, potentially leveraging his star power to engineer a dream move back to a top European contender. Chelsea and Manchester City are also circling, adding Premier League intrigue, but it’s the Gunners who hold the ace up their sleeve—Tonali’s apparent desire to don the red and white.
Juventus, meanwhile, have emerged as serious suitors, with TuttoJuve reporting that Newcastle would demand a staggering €100m (£86.7m, $118m) to part ways with their prized asset. Sources close to TEAMtalk indicate that Inter Milan is another Italian giant monitoring the situation, drawn by Tonali’s deep roots in Serie A. Bailey’s reports highlight that the midfielder’s family sees a return to Italy as a “long-term reality,” which could tempt him toward Turin or Milan. Yet, for now, Arsenal’s pull seems strongest, offering a blend of competitive ambition and a tactical fit under Arteta’s progressive style.
Riso’s comments paint a picture of a player deeply committed to Newcastle in the short term but open to exploring options. “Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,” Riso told TuttoSport. “These transfer discussions will take place later. We’ll see how the season ends and then we’ll decide what to do. There’s no preference at the moment. It’s still early. What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow.”
He added: “Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club. We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer.” Despite the public denial of Arsenal talks earlier, Riso’s words leave the door ajar, emphasizing that the situation could evolve rapidly.
Newcastle’s stance is firm, with chief executive David Hopkinson telling talkSPORT: “We want to keep Tonali; he’s a superstar player.” The Magpies’ reluctance is understandable—Tonali has been instrumental in their midfield, blending tenacity with technical flair. However, financial fair play pressures and the allure of a nine-figure fee could test their resolve.
For Arsenal, this development is a godsend. Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta (wait, is it Edu? No, the report mentions Berta—perhaps a future appointment) would be thrilled at the prospect of landing a player of Tonali’s caliber. His box-to-box energy could complement Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, forming a midfield trio capable of dominating the Premier League and Europe.
As the 2025/26 season unfolds, all eyes will be on St. James’ Park. Will Tonali stay loyal and guide Newcastle to glory, or will he orchestrate a dramatic exit to Arsenal? One thing’s for sure: with €100m on the table and a phenom ready to force his hand, the summer transfer window promises fireworks.