Newcastle have just signed 'far better' player than Spurs record breaker - 'I'm surprised Arsenal didn't go for him'

Nico Gonzalez looks to be a superb piece of business for Newcastle United and potentially a better signing than Sandro Tonali for Tottenham Hotspur.

That is the opinion of experienced former Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 24-year-old joined the Magpies from Manchester City for around £52milion in August and enjoyed a superb start when Matthias Jaissle's side beat Tottenham 2-0 in North London.

Gonzalez excelled in the middle for Newcastle and stood out against both Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, who cost a combined £185m.

The Spaniard made 59 appearances in 18 months at Man City, but never really had the chance to make an extended run in the starting XI once Rodri had returned.

At Newcastle, Gonzalez will be the main man in midfield and he absolutely looks capable of taking up the mantle left by both Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

Bryan King lauds Nico Gonzalez

Gonzalez joined Man City from FC Porto in 2025, signing in a £50m deal on transfer deadline day.

He had been targeted in the wake of Rodri's ACL injury, and initially looked to be an ideal replacement.

Pep Guardiola even branded him as a 'mini-Rodri', and would start him for six consecutive Premier League games, before the Ballon d'Or winner returned.

As Rodri continued to struggle at the start of last season, Gonzalez enjoyed a run of consecutive starts and looked to have found his place.

Again, however, his compatriot's return saw him benched and in the starting line-up for the Premier League just once between January and the end of the season.

Guardiola and Rodri have left this summer, but Enzo Maresca was happy to part ways with the Spaniard amid the arrivals of Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez.

"I mean, when you looked at the Newcastle boy, the boy Gonzalez, looked a far better prospect than what Tonali did, who came from Newcastle for massive money," King told Football Insider. "I'm surprised maybe Arsenal never went for him, you know."

Gonzalez could be huge Newcastle coup

Newcastle faced a monstrous job replacing their midfield this summer, but they look to have done a great job.

Gonzalez looks to be a coup for just £52m, and Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur have already shown signs of promise.

"I am happy that you somehow think I am smart. When he has the ball he has a good timing, when to deliver and also when to slow down the game. A really good debut," Jaissle said when asked about Gonzalez after Saturday's game.

The Spaniard looks to be an exceptional addition, but will know that his consistency will be vital this season.