Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta are plotting a major statement in the 2026 summer transfer window, with Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali emerging as a prime target to further strengthen the Gunners’ squad.
The Italian media has highlighted why Arteta is so determined to bring the dynamic Italy international to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal’s interest in Tonali dates back to the final day of the winter transfer window and has only intensified since. According to transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher, the club are “deadly serious” about securing a deal for the former AC Milan star this summer.
Sources indicate that Arteta views Tonali as a valuable addition to a midfield already boasting high-calibre talents like Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Martin Ødegaard. The Arsenal manager reportedly sees the 26-year-old as the “perfect” reinforcement, capable of adding intensity, balance, and leadership to the engine room.
Juventus-centric outlet TuttoJuve recently reaffirmed Arsenal’s continued pursuit, while also noting interest from Manchester United. Both Premier League clubs are believed to be monitoring the situation closely, though Tonali’s future remains uncertain.
Tonali wants to leave Newcastle, but Italy beckons
While a move to either Arsenal or Manchester United would represent a significant step, TEAMtalk understands that the Newcastle star harbours a strong preference for a return to Serie A. Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan are all keen on a summer deal, and Tonali is said to favour heading back to his homeland.
Newcastle are in a strong negotiating position. The club’s CEO, David Hopkinson, has previously described Tonali as “a superstar player,” and sources suggest they will demand at least £75million to part ways with the midfielder. That valuation is reportedly high enough to rule out several Italian suitors, including Juventus.
Can Berta and Arteta change his mind?
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta should face no major obstacles in funding a £75m move, especially after Arsenal’s recent Premier League triumph and their ongoing Champions League campaign. The combination of immediate silverware potential and Arteta’s project could prove persuasive.
However, convincing Tonali to choose the Premier League over a return to Italy will be the decisive factor. As TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey reported in April, the player’s desire to go back to Serie A remains strong despite interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, and even Manchester City.
A successful pursuit of Tonali would send a powerful message across the Premier League. It would represent not just a tactical upgrade but a statement of Arsenal’s continued ambition under Arteta and Berta — one designed to keep the Gunners at the very top.
Whether Arsenal can turn this long-standing interest into a concrete summer signing remains to be seen. What is clear is that Mikel Arteta believes Sandro Tonali could be the ultimate weapon in his midfield. A £75m bid may well be incoming — and it could force one of the most fascinating transfer decisions of the window.