What “sources at Arsenal” are now talking about talks for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali
Arsenal have already been linked with a move for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, just days after lifting their Premier League title.
The dust has yet to settle on Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years and the rumors are already rife.
Mikel Arteta’s side wrapped up the championship as Man City dropped points at Bournemouth, and ensured the celebrations with a final day 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace – Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke scored in a game that felt more like an anointing than a contest.
85 points, 26 wins from 38 games, and a Champions League final against PSG in Budapest on May 30. It’s been quite a season.
A few days after the final whistle blew at Selhurst Park, reports of contact between the Gunners and Tonali representatives began to emerge.
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The Newcastle midfielder has been one of the most talked about players in the transfer market this summer, with his club looking to leave St James’ Park and a host of top clubs circling.
But according to reliable Chronicle reporter Lee Ryder, the truth may be less than the headlines suggest.
What sources at Arsenal have to say about Sandro Tonali talks
Ryder reports that Tonali-to-Arsenal links have been “played down by sources at Arsenal,” and that no official talks have taken place between the two clubs at this time.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are “ready for a summer of rumors and gossip” surrounding the 25-year-old Italian, but remain firm in their stance: any player will be sold only “on our terms.”
Ryder also added an important detail – Arsenal’s priority this summer is not a midfielder.
That last point deserves pause.
Arteta’s stadium is already full.
Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi provide the Gunners with depth and quality in many areas, and the areas Arsenal are expected to target this summer are understood to be forward and back, with injuries to Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori exposing a lack of cover during the title race.
None of this means that Tonali migration is impossible.
Football moves quickly, and if Newcastle’s asking price drops or a player forces a deal, clubs of Arsenal’s stature can trade in days.
Tonali’s quality is unquestionable.
He has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since returning from his betting ban, and his ability to control games from a deeper role would improve any team in Europe.
Newcastle want between £75m and £100m for the player, who is contracted until 2029, and they have no intention of offering discounts to their domestic rivals.
A gentleman’s agreement is said to exist that allows Tonali to leave if the Magpies fail to qualify for European football – which they have not – but that does not stop at determining the price or location.
Arsenal have bigger fish to fry before the end of May.
The Champions League final is four days away, and Arteta’s attention is focused on Budapest rather than the transfer market.
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Arsenal won the Premier League title in the sunshine at Selhurst Park.
