Manchester United are reportedly set to rival Arsenal and Chelsea for Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali. The Italian’s future is uncertain amid the Magpies’ struggles in the Premier League this season.
Newcastle is enduring a difficult campaign and currently sits 12th in the league, 10 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United. If Eddie Howe’s men fail to achieve UEFA Champions League qualification, Tonali may look to leave the Tyneside outfit.
Tonali has been in fine form this season, posting five assists in 37 games across competitions. He’s been a mainstay in Howe’s side since arriving from AC Milan in the summer of 2023 for £55 million.
Man United enter Tonali race
Arsenal were believed to have considered swooping for Tonali on deadline day in January but he remained at St James’ Park. His agent denied claims that he had approached the Gunners about the possibility of a potential move for the Italian midfielder.
According to The Telegraph, Manchester United are now eyeing Tonali and have added him to their shortlist. At least one new midfielder is expected to arrive at Old Trafford this summer.
Casemiro has announced he will leave the Red Devils when his contract expires in June. The veteran Brazilian has been superb under Michael Carrick since he replaced Ruben Amorim in early January.
Tonali’s potential availability looks to have put the club on alert but they are joined in the race for the 25-year-old by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. He’s been a key man for Newcastle over the years but a lack of Champions League football might lead to a departure.
Man United need two new central midfielders
While talk of Manchester United adding Tonali, dubbed ‘the best midfielder in the country,’ to their wishlist for the summer will enthuse fans there has been a clear need for a major overhaul in the middle of the park. Kobbie Mainoo has been reborn under Carrick and the English youngster has flourished alongside Casemiro.
Replacing the 32-year-old will be a priority this summer, and while Tonali is excellent in and out of possession, he doesn’t possess the same profile. That’s why it’s important that a new defensive midfielder is top of INEOS’ list of priorities.
Carlos Baleba has been on the club’s radar, and the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder was the subject of an approach from United last summer. The Seagulls responded by informing the Reds that their Cameroonian was “not for sale.”
The Daily Mail reports that Brighton might consider selling Baleba for a cut-price fee of £75 million this summer. The 22-year-old is just one of several options the club has in mind amid talk of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson also being under consideration.
