Newcastle could be about to sign Sandro Tonali upgrade, the stats speak volumes
Newcastle United are reportedly in talks to sign Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez this summer after he was told that he could leave.
The 24-year-old only joined the Citizens in February last year, signing from Porto in a deal worth around £52million.
But after making just 25 Premier League appearances last season, the Spaniard could now be set to join the Magpies.
Man City would likely expect to receive at least what they paid for Gonzalez, with Newcastle also considering several other options.
Matthias Jaissle, who replaced Eddie Howe after he stood down in July, has seen his midfield gutted this summer, with both club captain Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali making big-money moves away.
Younger options in Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur have already arrived to aid the situation, but Newcastle are expected to add one or two more experienced midfielders before the window closes.
Nico Gonzalez and Sandro Tonali compared statistically
On paper, Gonzalez appears to be more of a replacement for Tonali than he does for Guimaraes.
Similarly to the 26-year-old, Gonzalez likes to control play from deep while sometimes appearing in advanced positions.
The Man City midfielder played almost 1000 less minutes in the Premier League than his opponent last season, yet the pair can be compared on a per 90 minutes basis.
From an attacking perspective, the difference is immediately clear. Tonali produced far more chances created per 90 - 1.13 to 0.63 - and took more shots - 1.31 to 0.80.
But in other areas of the pitch, the comparison becomes much closer. Gonzalez made more tackles, interceptions, blocks and clearances than Tonali per game last season, and won almost double the duels - 6.03 to his 3.79.
The Spaniard also won possession in the final third more per 90 minutes, and covered slightly more distance - 12.1km to 11.9km.
Gonzalez and Tonali are different players, but on paper, it appears that Newcastle could well be making an intelligent piece of business.
Newcastle could sign 'mini-Rodri'
Ironically, Gonzalez's Premier League debut came against Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium, with Man City emerging 4-0 winners.
"Nico Gonzalez helped us a lot. I was really pleased because we needed him. It has been a tough three months," Pep Guardiola said after the game.
"He is our mini Rodri. He has a huge presence, his pace, and his time at the Barcelona academy, it is all about the ball and positioning.
"He has the desire to have success in the Premier League, he is here to prove himself."