Arsenal’s pursuit of £100m midfielder dealt blow as Manchester United emerge as frontrunners

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Arsenal’s hopes of signing Sandro Tonali have taken a hit.

Manchester United have emerged as the leading English club in the race for the Newcastle midfielder, according to Flashscore.

They are understood to be willing to pay up to £70million, though Newcastle continue to value the Italian closer to £100million.

Arsenal and Manchester City have also been linked, but United are reportedly in the lead, with their primary target Elliot Anderson likely heading to City.

🤔 Which midfield target should Andrea Berta prioritise at Arsenal this summer?

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Italian media had previously suggested Arsenal were among the clubs ready to meet Newcastle’s demands, but United are providing firm competition to Arteta and Andrea Berta.

There is, however, a significant caveat. Flashscore also report that a return to Italy has long been viewed as the most likely outcome for Tonali, with AC Milan and Juventus both admirers.

Milan are still to appoint a sporting director and head coach, which has slowed progress, while Juventus have a lengthy list of other priorities.

Tonali himself is understood to be willing to wait for signs of a Serie A move accelerating before committing to a decision.

Newcastle, meanwhile, would prefer Tonali to move abroad rather than join a domestic rival, suggesting that any negotiations with English clubs could be difficult.

Where Arsenal go from here in their midfield search

This Sandro Tonali update is exactly why Arsenal are pursuing multiple midfield targets simultaneously.

At the top of that list, along with Tonali, is West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, who fits the profile of relentless energy and intensity that Arteta wants alongside Declan Rice.

Given the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship, the Portuguese midfielder could be a more attainable option, despite his selling club slapping an £80million price tag on him.

Arsenal are not short of options in midfield heading into next season, with Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Mikel Merino all having roles to play.

But with Christian Norgaard expected to leave, that opens up some space, and after the Champions League final defeat to PSG, the Gunners are keen on adding elite quality to their squad.

If Tonali ends up in Italy, Arsenal will need to move quickly on their alternatives. Berta will already have a plan B, and quite possibly a plan C.