Newcastle already have Sandro Tonali replacement as star who is ‘like a god’ green lights summer transfer
Newcastle United appear destined to lose Sandro Tonali in the summer transfer window.
The Italian has been subject to heavy interest from both the Premier League and abroad of late, with Arsenal even making an approach for him in the final hours of deadline day.
Manchester City have also joined the hunt for Tonali of late, and with Juventus also circling around a potential move, it is beginning to look increasingly likely that the midfielder will be playing his football elsewhere next term.
Eddie Howe and Newcastle did everything in their power to keep hold of the 25-year-old in January, and they have already made moves regarding a potential replacement ahead of the summer.
Lorenzo Pellegrini approves Newcastle switch
Arsenal appear to be in the box seat for Tonali at the moment, as there is a growing feeling at Juventus that they would not be able to cope with Newcastle’s demands for a sale.
Football Insider also revealed recently that Tonali could push to leave Newcastle at the end of the season, which would effectively leave the club powerless in terms of his future.
However, the Tynesiders already appear to have their replacement for the outgoing star pencilled in, as Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini has already given the green light to a summer move to St James’ Park, according to Calcio Mercato.
The 37-cap Italy international is out of contract with the capital club at the end of the season, and he has now given his approval to a move to Newcastle, as he feels that he can thrive in their three-man midfield.
Talks over a new deal with Roma have ceased in recent weeks, and a move to the Premier League is now thought to be the most likely option, with Newcastle the firm favourites.
Pellegrini is a perfect replacement for Sandro Tonali
Tonali’s influence at Newcastle has grown dramatically since he returned from his betting ban, and he will be sorely missed at St James’ if this does prove to be his final campaign with the club.
However, they have already identified an ideal replacement for him in Pellegrini, who has made over 330 competitive appearances for Roma since he moved there in 2017.
The 29-year-old is a veteran of Serie A at this stage of his career, and also has bags of international experience to his name.
He is a former captain of Roma and has picked up a whole host of notable admirers during his time with the Italian giants, not least his former manager Ivan Juric.
Juric suggested that Pellegrini moved “like a god” during an interview with Corriere Dello Sport, in which he couldn’t hide his admiration of the player.
Tonali’s exit would be a seismic loss for Newcastle in the middle of the park, but there are surely few better alternatives than a god-like replacement.