Arsenal are in talks with Newcastle United over a shock move for Sandro Tonali and have learnt that it would take a minimum of £80 million to sign him.
Tonali could make a shock move to Arsenal on deadline day, with the Gunners hoping to replace the injured Mikel Merino in the final hours of the window.
You pick: Arsenal’s best midfield trio if Tonali signed would be _________ + _________ + _________
Newcastle are denying that Arsenal are trying to sign Tonali on deadline day, but Andrea Berta could well be working his magic behind the scenes.
However, the North London club have now learned how much a move for the Italian would cost at a minimum and it makes a deal seem rather unlikely.
Arsenal told Newcastle’s asking price for Sandro Tonali
Arsenal have been made aware that Newcastle United would demand in excess of £80 million for Sandro Tonali, according to The Telegraph.
Even at £80 million, it’s unlikely that Mikel Arteta’s team would even stand a chance of bringing him to the Emirates Stadium this month.
Newcastle are already light in midfield, and losing arguably their best option, with no time to replace him, makes a deal unfeasible.
The midfielder is contracted with Newcastle until 2029, meaning the Tyneside club are in a strong position to keep him.
Riccardo Calafiori is a big fan of Tonali, and it’s clear that he would be a very popular signing if Arsenal could pull it off.
But at this stage, a deal for the 25-year-old would make much more sense to happen in the summer, given the time remaining in the window.
What is the maximum fee Arsenal should pay to sign Sandro Tonali?
Berta should start work now on pre-agreeing a transfer to sign the Italian when the window opens in the summer.
Tonali is one of the top midfielders in Europe and would provide tremendous cover for both Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice.
Arsenal could have done with Declan Rice cover in January
One of Berta’s top tasks for January should have been sorting cover for Rice, as the Gunners are now slightly light in midfield.
There are question marks over why Arsenal would want Tonali, but as Arsenal’s defence has shown, quality in depth is crucial.
An injury to Rice or Zubimendi would be a huge blow for Arsenal’s season, whereas having a player like Tonali to step in would resolve that issue.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
