Why Newcastle want to sign £20m Tonali replacement

Newcastle United fans will hope their treasured team kick into gear soon in the transfer market when it comes to incomings, with the Magpies already losing Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.

Kieran Trippier has also left, at the expiry of his St James’ Park deal, to join the Wolverhampton Wanderers ranks in the Championship, as Eddie Howe‘s team likely has a new look to it, ahead of the approaching Premier League season.

The Toon have been known to be big spenders in the market, and with Gordon’s exit to Spain gifting them around £70m, the lavish spending could occur yet again this summer.

Indeed, Newcastle have been tipped to make a move for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Archie Gray, who cost Spurs £30m to snap up from Leeds United in 2024, but this isn’t the only statement purchase on the horizon…

Newcastle considering move for £20m star

Newcastle considering a move for a promising young midfielder isn’t the greatest shock in the world, with Sandro Tonali on his way out this summer.

Gray might well be viewed as a long-term replacement for Tonali, with the ex-Leeds prodigy only 20 years of age, so a deal for the ex-AC Milan machine to move to London, and Gray to move up North, could be in the works.

The Tyneside giants aren’t placing all their eggs in the Gray basket, however, with new reports suggesting that Yasin Ayari has caught their eye, as another exciting talent for the future, and right now.

CaughtOffside is reporting that Newcastle are monitoring several midfield targets, and the Sweden international is on their summer shopping list.

It will likely prove to be a difficult pursuit for Howe and Co. if they’re serious about wanting to win the Brighton and Hove Albion ace, however, as it is further reported that both Chelsea and Liverpool are in the hunt for the 5-foot-8 playmaker, alongside the mid-table outfit.

If they were to snap up the £20m-rated target, though, who has scored at the unfurling World Cup for Graham Potter’s Swedes, Newcastle would arguably land themselves a midfield star who is an even bigger talent than Gray.

Why Ayari could be a bigger talent than Gray

Gray might well be widely regarded as a promising future talent, but he still finds himself on the fringes of the first team at Spurs, despite their relegation difficulties.

Indeed, last campaign, the 20-year-old only started 18 Premier League contests in total, following on from a meagre 19 starts during his debut season.

The worry here will be whether he will actually improve the Newcastle team, as the midfield ranks at St James’ Park already boast the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton, even if Tonali does up and leave.

Moreover, the Magpies also have a notable midfield face, who could be the next best thing, in Lewis Miley, with Miley dubbed the “next young English superstar” by pundit Pat Nevin.

It could well be deemed a pointless move to go after Gray, therefore, considering he garners quite an excessive £30m price tag and Miley is already present.

For around £10m less, Newcastle could be better placed to go after Ayari, considering his last Premier League season with the Seagulls was a lot more fruitful than his counterpart’s in North London, with three goals and three assists amassed, next to Gray’s four goal contributions.

Last season would see Fabian Hurzeler describe his in-demand number 26 as a “very important” part of his first team on the South Coast, with the 25-time Sweden international really growing into his role under the German.

Off the back of these standout numbers, Ayari would stand a better chance of instantly leaping into Howe’s first team plans, over Gray, with the 22-year-old way ahead in his development, next to the former Elland Road product, hence his involvement in the World Cup for his country.

Capable of playing as a number ten, which is a position Newcastle aren’t full to the brim in, alongside playing more defensively if needs be, this feels like a pick-up that makes more sense for the Magpies, rather than gambling on Gray.

Already international teammates with Anthony Elanga, the Swede could soon line up next to the ex-Manchester United winger on Tyneside, with Newcastle sending out a statement if they were to land Ayari, ahead of their Premier League rivals.