Arsenal are far more desperate to sign Sandro Tonali than the mainstream media have suggested, with sources revealing that Mikel Arteta’s deep admiration for the Newcastle United star will drive the Gunners boss to go all-out in a bid to beat Manchester United to the potential £100m transfer this summer.
The 25-year-old Italian international has delivered yet another standout season at St James’ Park. His unique mix of defensive steel, precise passing range, and dynamic attacking energy has established him as one of the Premier League’s most complete central midfielders since his move from AC Milan. As the summer transfer window looms, elite clubs are circling, drawn by his consistent excellence.
While Newcastle insist they remain fully in control of the situation, insiders indicate the club is well aware of efforts from Tonali’s representatives to engineer a move away from Tyneside in pursuit of regular Champions League football. The midfielder is contracted until 2028, with options to extend, but sources point to a potential “gentlemen’s agreement” that could facilitate his departure should the Magpies once again miss out on European qualification.
Valued at up to £100million (€115m, $132m), Tonali has become a cornerstone of Newcastle’s midfield. However, his clear ambition for consistent top-level European competition and title challenges—goals that currently appear distant for the North-East side—has set the stage for a major summer saga.
Arsenal emerge as serious contenders
Contrary to much of the recent public narrative, which has centred heavily on Manchester United’s interest, Arsenal are understood to be genuine and highly motivated pursuers. Sources confirm the Gunners have kept a close watch on Tonali and his situation throughout the campaign, with his representatives discreetly monitoring matches at the Emirates Stadium.
Insiders emphasise that Mikel Arteta holds the dynamic Italian in high regard, viewing him as an ideal reinforcement for a midfield already boasting talents like Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Martin Ødegaard. Arsenal’s interest runs significantly deeper than outwardly reported, and sources make clear that the club would love to bring Tonali to north London. Arteta is said to be personally sanctioning a proactive raid, with the Gunners prepared to table a substantial offer in the region of £100m to secure their target.
This development represents a potential shockwave in the transfer market, as Arsenal look to hijack what has widely been seen as a priority target for their rivals.
United, City, and others in the mix
Manchester United have made no secret of their strong intent, positioning Tonali as a long-term solution in central midfield. Manchester City are also firmly in the hunt as they seek to rebuild their engine room amid expected high-profile departures at the Etihad. Overseas interest exists too—Juventus continue to lead any potential Serie A homecoming bids, while sporadic links to Real Madrid and Barcelona add intrigue. Yet, a move within the Premier League remains the most realistic and practical path, given current market conditions and wage structures.
Newcastle, currently battling for a top-seven finish, are understandably reluctant to lose such a key player without major compensation. The Magpies are prepared to fight to retain Tonali, believing he owes them loyalty after enduring a 10-month suspension for historic betting regulation breaches shortly after his arrival. Nevertheless, with the player’s ambitions now evident, the coming weeks could prove decisive.
High stakes for all parties
For Arsenal, landing Tonali would represent a statement signing under Arteta, adding depth, dynamism, and quality to a squad chasing major honours. For Manchester United, it would address a longstanding need in midfield while dealing a blow to a rival. Newcastle face the unwelcome prospect of potentially losing another leading light for a second successive summer if European qualification eludes them once more.
As the transfer window approaches, developments around Tonali promise to be among the most compelling stories of the summer. With Arteta’s personal backing and Arsenal’s reported readiness to go big, the Gunners are positioning themselves as serious challengers in what could become one of the Premier League’s most fiercely contested transfer battles.
The race is on—and it just got a lot more intense.