Sandro Tonali: ‘Clubs ready and waiting to offer’ as Newcastle hit by new blow
Sandro Tonali could demand a move away from Newcastle ahead of next season, like Alexander Isak did last summer, if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Tonali has continued to be a key player for Eddie Howe this season as Newcastle chase Champions League qualification, with starts in 21 of their 24 Premier League games.
His standout performances have seen him linked with a move back to Italy, but it emerged on Deadline Day of the January window that Arsenal were pursuing a shock deal for Tonali after his agent offered them a deal.
Their interest was quickly rebuffed by Newcastle, but it has left questions around his long-term future at St James’ Park, even though his current contract runs until 2029.
Several other top clubs have him on their radar, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Tonali may replicate his former teammate’s antics by pushing to leave Newcastle this summer.
Tonali could force a Newcastle exit like Isak if they are not in the Champions League
Isak refused to train or play for the Magpies last summer as he pushed for a move to Liverpool, which was eventually finalised on Deadline Day.
Amid uncertainty around his own future, sources have told Football Insider that Man City are interested in signing Tonali this summer, and he could look to demand an exit from St James’ if Newcastle are not competing at the highest level next season.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “There’ll be lots more speculation in regards to Sandro Tonali. That news on Deadline Day was probably just the start of it.
“A bit like Newcastle had last year with Alexander Isak, there could be another transfer saga involving Sandro Tonali this summer.
“Especially if Newcastle miss out on qualifying for the Champions League, because I’m sure the player himself wants to continue playing at the highest level, and there will be clubs ready and waiting to offer him that if he does want out.”
Arsenal to lead Tonali race after London reveal
Tonali seems settled on Tyneside as it stands, and clearly owes the club a lot after they backed him through his gambling charges and even offered him a fresh contract extension.
Pep Guardiola was spotted in deep conversation with the Italy midfielder following Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final loss to City in midweek, but it is Arsenal who look set to hold the upper hand in the race for his signature this summer.
Former Everton and Aston Villa CEO, Keith Wyness, has told Football Insider that Tonali “would love” to move to London, and also wants to play under Mikel Arteta.
Guardiola’s future at Man City beyond this season is uncertain right now, with a possible exit of his own on the horizon, and so the 25-year-old could well end up at the Emirates Stadium rather than the Etihad this summer.