Pep Guardiola has already made his feelings clear over hijack for Arsenal-linked Sandro Tonali
Newcastle United may need to prepare themselves for a mighty transfer race as interest in Sandro Tonali ramps up this season.
Tonali is a fan-favourite at St James’ Park, quickly becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet, and notching seven goals and seven assists in 94 games since arriving from AC Milan.
Thanks to these performances from a deep-lying midfielder role, Arsenal were linked with a move for Tonali, but those links were squashed by journalists during the winter transfer window.
The 25-year-old does not appear to be pushing for a move away from the North East, at least not right now, but that could change completely once the summer window rolls around at the end of the season.
Premier League race ramps up for Sandro Tonali transfer
Mikel Arteta is not the only manager interested in a move for the Italy international, however, and he could suffer heartbreak from a very well-known figure in Man City boss Pep Guardiola.
According to The Sun (2 February), Guardiola is a big fan of the 25-year-old midfielder, with City joining Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for his signature ahead of the summer transfer window.
Rodri is far from his best this term, still attempting to get back to his best after a season-ending injury, while the manager appears unconvinced by Nico Gonzalez, at least not enough to give him the starting spot permanently.
In fact, Guardiola was spotted chatting to the talented midfielder after City knocked the Magpies out of the Carabao Cup earlier this month, and it is already clear exactly how he feels about the player.
Pep Guardiola is ready to make a move for the Newcastle United star
Speaking in his press conference, he said: “What did I say [to Sandro Tonali]? My Italian is perfect, so that’s why I can communicate with him. And we have an incredible friend in common from Brescia, Edoardo Piovani.
“And every time we are connected, I know his father some time ago and all the time we met, we talked about his experience in Milan, the supporters, and how happy he is in Newcastle. He’s a really, really top player, top, top, top player!”
It is not very often that managers speak so openly about rivals’ players, but Guardiola did very little to hide his true feelings about the talented star, and the hierarchy will certainly be listening.
Eddie Howe will not want to lose him without putting up a fight, but given the interest in him already, it will be extremely difficult to keep hold of him for another season.