Sandro Tonali makes Arsenal transfer decision after £75m Tottenham bid

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali (Picture: Getty)

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali favours a move to Arsenal this summer after being the subject of a £75m offer from north London rivals Tottenham .

Spurs submitted their first bid for Tonali last week but were instantly knocked back by Newcastle , who want at least £85m for the Italy international.

Tonali has developed into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since his £55m move from AC Milan in 2023, helping Eddie Howe ’s side win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League.

The 26-year-old received a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations shortly after his arrival at St James’ Park but has put that misdemeanour behind him over the past two seasons.

A number of Premier League clubs have expressed interest in signing Tonali, with Arsenal heavily linked with a move towards the end of the January transfer window .

The Gunners revived their interest in Tonali ahead of the summer transfer window as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s title-winning squad .

Tottenham appear to be leading the race to sign the Italian after approaching Newcastle with an official bid, and the Daily Mail insist he is ‘open’ to joining Spurs despite their recent struggles which almost saw them relegated to the Championship.

Roberto De Zerbi wants Tottenham to win the race (Picture: Getty)

However, it is claimed Tonali’s preference would still be to join the Premier League champions should Arsenal firm up their interest.

While Arteta is believed to be an admirer of Tonali, Arsenal are currently prioritising a deal for England World Cup star Morgan Rogers , while they want a new striker to arrive at the Emirates Stadium.

Manchester United were also linked with a move for Tonali but are looking elsewhere for midfield reinforcements after discovering Newcastle’s steep demands.

Arsenal are the reigning Premier League champions (Picture: Getty)

Regardless of his next destination, it appears to be just a matter of time before Tonali leaves St James’ Park, with Newcastle interested in signing Netherlands international Kees Smit as his replacement.

Manchester City are also admirers of Tonali but are currently weighing up a British record deal for Nottingham Forest’s England star Elliot Anderson .

Ex-England midfielder Jermaine Jenas has backed Arsenal’s pursuit of Tonali , insisting he would be a huge upgrade on current midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

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‘I think Sandro Tonali is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, in my opinion,’ Jenas told 10bet . ‘He had his misdemeanour, came back, and I thought his attitude from that exact point onward has been brilliant.

‘He’s a dictator of a game; he sets the pace and sets the tone every time he plays. He did the same when he was at AC Milan.

‘When I look at that Arsenal midfield, I was never fully convinced by Martin Zubimendi, if I’m honest with you. I think he’s a decent, solid player, but Tonali would definitely be a level up in that midfield alongside Declan Rice.

‘Though I am a bit surprised that Arsenal’s focus isn’t more forward-thinking than that. I don’t think their midfield is terrible – you’ve got young Myles Lewis-Skelly who has the ability to step in there as well.

‘So Tonali is a great player, and it would be a good move, but I don’t think it’s exactly what they desperately need. I still think they need a proper, out-and-out striker and a specialist on that left wing.’

Meanwhile, Premier League legend Jaap Stam has named Tonali as one of the two midfielders Manchester United should be looking to sign .