Arsenal are currently working hard on a shock deadline day move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Mikel Merino could miss the rest of the season with an injury, and the Gunners are now exploring potential replacements for the Spaniard.
Sandro Tonali to Arsenal on deadline day – yes or no?
Andrea Berta has already shown his ability to move quickly in the market after signing Eberechi Eze from under Tottenham’s nose following Kai Havertz’s injury at the start of the season.
Now, the North London club are looking at one of the Premier League’s top midfielders on deadline day in what could be a huge transfer.
Arsenal working to sign Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali
Arsenal are exploring a shock deadline day move to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to Florian Plettenberg.
In the last few hours, the Gunners have been holding direct talks with Newcastle over a deal; however, it is expected to be ‘very difficult’ to get done.
The Tyneside club are not giving the move the green light just yet, but Mikel Arteta’s side are now pushing to make it happen.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Plettenberg said: “Let’s start with some exclusive breaking news. I have been told by some very top sources that Arsenal are exploring a surprising deadline day move for Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.
What is the maximum fee Arsenal should pay to sign Sandro Tonali?
“There have been direct talks in the last two hours, but for now, very difficult to finalise because Newcastle didn’t give the green light. Arsenal are trying, they are pushing for Sandro Tonali to make the deal happen today.”
The £55m midfielder would be a remarkable signing for the Gunners and one of the biggest deadline day deals in recent memory.
Eddie Howe’s team have struggled this season, so losing a huge player at this stage would be a massive blow for the Magpies.
Last summer, Jermaine Jenas predicted Arsenal’s move for Tonali, and now, just a few months later, he could be proved spot on.
Sandro Tonali would be an amazing cover for Declan Rice
Adding Tonali to a midfield of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi would make for an incredible set of options for Arteta.
The Italian international has shown he can play both as a number eight and as a number six, so he could cover both roles.
One of Berta’s biggest tasks this window was signing an alternative to Rice and Zubimendi, given how much football the pair have played this season.
Tonali would be almost the dream target for this role in Arsenal’s squad and would all but secure the title for the Gunners.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
