Arsenal hold talks to sign mega-money midfielder

Arsenal’s success in the Premier League this season is a reflection of the good work conducted by Mikel Arteta and the recruitment team over the last few years.

The Gunners have spent over £850m on new additions over the last five seasons, but their impressive spending has led to the recent triumph in England’s top-flight.

Work in the transfer market has certainly taken time to develop and lead to success, but it’s all been worth it as the club have finally ended their 22-year wait for a trophy.

However, the supporters’ desire for trophies will have only grown after the recent Premier League triumph, so it’s down to the hierarchy to match such demands.

The upcoming transfer window presents yet another opportunity for improvement in the senior ranks, with numerous talents already being touted with a summer move to the Emirates.

Arsenal enter talks to land £80m Premier League talent

Despite the recent Premier League triumph, Arsenal have been hunting far and wide for added reinforcements to take the group to the next level in 2026/27.

However, multiple options in England’s top-flight have emerged in recent days – including West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who’s set to depart the London Stadium.

It’s been reported that the Portuguese international is one of the Gunners’ key targets at present, with an £80m price tag being mooted for his signature at present.

Fernandes isn’t the only target currently in the hierarchy’s sights, with Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali another player currently being considered.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have already entered talks with the player’s representatives over the possibility of a deal for the 26-year-old.

He states that the Italian international is expected to leave the Magpies this window after their failure to secure a place in any European competition next term.

Manchester United and Manchester City are two clubs also interested in his signature, leading to an £80m price tag being mooted to prise him away from Eddie Howe’s men.

Why Tonali would be better than Fernandes for Arsenal

Declan Rice has undoubtedly been Arsenal’s standout midfielder in recent months, but there’s no denying Arteta’s men need added reinforcements in such a department.

Martin Zubimendi was signed for around £60m from Real Sociedad last summer, but the Spaniard has struggled to sustain his early-season form in the Premier League.

As a result, Myles Lewis-Skelly has operated in a midfield role in recent weeks – even starting alongside Rice during the Champions League final defeat to PSG.

It’s unclear whether Arteta sees the academy graduate as a long-term solution to the midfield issue, but the Englishman certainly hasn’t looked out of place at the heart of the side.

A deal for Fernandes could well be on the cards to help solve the ongoing struggle, but the hierarchy should be looking past a move for the West Ham star when the window opens.

Tonali is a more-established Premier League and European option than the Hammers star – not to mention a better talent when comparing their respective figures.

The Italian has completed more of the dribbles he attempted in 2025/26, whilst also creating more chances for his teammates than the Portuguese star.

The aforementioned qualities demonstrate that the 26-year-old is a more reliable option with the ball at his feet – something which is a requirement in Arteta’s possession-based system.

Without the ball, Tonali has been just as impressive in recent months, subsequently making more interceptions and ball recoveries than Fernandes per 90.

Such talent could also make him a useful option to the manager – especially in the games where he wants to see out a one-goal lead and have defensive solidity.

He’s also bettered the 21-year-old in terms of duels success rate and crosses completed per 90 – which has seen analyst Adam Joseph label him “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.”

Spending £80m on Tonali would be yet another huge statement of intent from Arteta and the hierarchy, but it’s the sort of deal which would allow the club to make the next step.

His experience and quality at the top-level could prove to be pivotal in the years ahead, something which Fernandes simply hasn’t accumulated in the early years of his career.