Newcastle set for Sandro Tonali showdown ‘talks’ after confirmed news
Newcastle United look set to face a major struggle to keep hold of Sandro Tonali beyond next summer.
The Italian has been a key player for the Magpies once again this season, and that has seen him attract significant interest from Arsenal in recent weeks.
Arsenal pushed to sign Tonali on transfer deadline day on Monday, as Newcastle swiftly rejected the last-minute approach from the Premier League leaders.
Mikel Arteta’s side are showing a strong desire to sign the 25-year-old, who is currently tied down at St James’ Park until the summer of 2028.
Newcastle may need Champions League qualification to keep Sandro Tonali
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on Thursday that Newcastle’s stance on Tonali is unlikely to change in the summer, as he is viewed as a key part of their long-term project.
However, the possibility of the player himself trying to force a move away from Tyneside could potentially still be open.
Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso has now hinted that the Magpies may need to secure Champions League qualification again for next term if they are to keep hold of his client amid the recent interest.
“Newcastle is struggling to let go of Sandro, and he wants to take the club to the Champions League,” the agent said in an interview with TuttoSport.
“These market talks will be done later. We’ll see how the season will ends, and then we’ll evaluate what to do”.
Riso’s plan for talks over Tonali’s future at the end of the season makes it seem as though his desire for a move may hinge on his team’s performance between now and then.
Newcastle are already eight points adrift of the Champions League places at the moment, and with their Premier League form inconsistent at best in recent weeks, it may take an almighty turnaround if they are to keep the midfielder.
Giuseppe Riso denies offering Tonali to Arsenal
Newcastle’s worries over losing Tonali on deadline day stemmed from the swift approach from Arsenal, but there had been speculation that the first move had actually been made from within the player’s camp.
Riso has since denied that he tried to initiate the move in the final hours of the winter window, and it is believed that the Magpies’ hierarchy believe those claims, according to the Daily Mail.
However, while Riso may be genuine on this occasion, it is clear that he is trying to engineer a move for his client in the coming months.
Talk of discussions at the end of the season is surely an indication that he is trying to find a way out for Tonali after the recent interest, and that is something that Newcastle must be extremely wary of.
The fact that they have him tied down to a long-term deal is certainly beneficial at the moment, but it is equally no use having a player whose heart is not in it anymore.