- Man Utd eyeing Sandro Tonali
- Newcastle United value him at £100m
- Italian could take Alexander Isak approach
Manchester United want to sign as many as three new midfielders this summer, and one of them is Sandro Tonali. The Newcastle United star is believed to be a top target, although the club are put off by his asking price.
Previous reports claim that United have held talks with Tonali’s agent over a potential transfer. The Magpies value him at £100m, a huge fee for the Italian who could replace Casemiro.
Tonali looks to want out of St James’ Park after his club failed to qualify for Europe. But the player himself will have to play a massive role if he is to make a move to Old Trafford.
Man Utd need Tonali to push for move
According to Tyrone Marshall of the Manchester Evening News, Tonali clearly wants to leave Newcastle, and staying in the Premier League financially is his only route. The astronomical fee his club want rules out a possible return to Serie A for the former AC Milan midfielder.
Arsenal are in the race, given that the 26-year-old’s representative cast “admiring glances” towards the Gunners in January. The Emirates or Old Trafford are the likeliest destinations for the player.
Newcastle are in a strong position and don’t need to sell after receiving £69m from Barcelona for Anthony Gordon. That means Tonali will probably have to force the issue to secure a switch.
United don’t hold the cards in this transfer saga, and Tonali clearly needs to make the deal happen. He could take the same approach as Alexander Isak, who downed tools to get his desired £125m move to Liverpool last summer.
Tonali doesn’t seem the type willing to refuse to head to pre-season with his club and miss training. Isak’s Anfield switch was clouded by controversy over his behaviour.
The Isak approach
Isak even posted a statement on his social media, calling out the Tyneside outfit for going against their word and not letting him leave. He eventually got his way and the Swede headed to Merseyside in a British transfer record deal.
Tonali could submit a transfer request if United make clear they are willing to pay a high price for his services. He has been one of the Premier League’s best midfielders since arriving from Milan in 2023 and has two years left on his contract.
