Arsenal are preparing a bold summer raid on Newcastle United’s midfield, with Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta targeting not one but two players from Eddie Howe’s squad.
While the pursuit of Italy international Sandro Tonali has dominated headlines since deadline day, fresh reports confirm the Gunners have also set their sights on 19-year-old academy graduate Lewis Miley — a player Newcastle rate on the same level as Tonali and Bruno Guimarães.
Tonali: The established star still in Arsenal’s crosshairs
The 25-year-old midfielder was sensationally offered to Arsenal on the final day of the January window, though no formal approach was made and the move never materialised. Arsenal remain in contact with Tonali’s camp, and his agent Beppe Riso has now confirmed that “discussions” about the player’s future will take place with Newcastle in the latter stages of the season.
Multiple clubs are circling: Liverpool, Manchester City, Inter Milan and Juventus have all been linked. Sources suggest Tonali is leaning towards a return to Serie A, but Arsenal are understood to be very much in the conversation. Newcastle, however, have no desire to sell and will fight to keep their key man, who is contracted until at least 2029 (some reports say 2030).
The hidden gem: Lewis Miley, the ‘must-watch’ teenager
It is not just Tonali on Arsenal’s radar. Scouts from the Emirates have been regularly spotted at Newcastle games this season specifically to watch Lewis Miley, who has been described internally at top clubs as an “exceptional” and “must-watch” talent.
The 19-year-old (born 1 May 2006) has exploded into the first team after coming through Newcastle’s academy. He has already made 76 senior appearances for the Magpies, scoring 6 goals and providing 7 assists. This season alone he has featured 30 times, contributing 3 goals and 3 assists across all competitions.
What makes Miley even more attractive is his versatility — he has operated successfully at right-back as well as in central midfield this campaign. Standing at 1.89m, he brings physicality, composure on the ball and an eye for a pass that has caught the attention of Europe’s elite.
Manchester City, Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring him closely, with scouts from all three clubs filing regular reports. Yet Newcastle’s stance is crystal clear: Miley is “untouchable”. Club insiders say he is viewed on the exact same hierarchical level as Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães — one of the three most important midfielders at the club. His contract runs until June 2029.
Why Arsenal are looking north
Arteta’s side have been searching for midfield reinforcements after a series of injuries, and the prospect of adding both an experienced international like Tonali and a high-potential homegrown talent like Miley is clearly appealing.
Newcastle, however, are in no mood to do business. They have already lost key players in recent windows and are determined to keep their young core intact — especially a player they see as a future cornerstone.
Whether Arsenal can tempt the Magpies into a double deal remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Gunners’ interest in Newcastle’s midfield is far bigger than just Sandro Tonali. Lewis Miley is very much on the radar — and he is a name every Premier League fan should be watching.