Arsenal given Sandro Tonali boost as Newcastle make Tottenham stance clear

Arsenal have been given a Sandro Tonali boost as Newcastle make their stance on Tottenham signing him clear behind-the-scenes.

Tottenham emerge as surprise Sandro Tonali contenders

Over the course of Monday night, reliable reports emerged confirming that Spurs are now genuine contenders to sign Tonali this summer as Roberto De Zerbi pushes to make an ambitious move.

De Zerbi is believed to be personally championing a deal for the Italian, who is also from Brescia, with the Lilywhites manager being backed to the hilt so far this summer.

Spurs have already confirmed the arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, and have been in talks to sign both Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke and Man City winger Savinho.

Mikel Arteta‘s champions of England have been linked with Tonali as far back as January, with David Ornstein confirming at the time that the midfielder’s agent reached out to the Gunners over a potential move.

Arsenal’s interest in Tonali hasn’t gone away since then, but the north Londoners now face very stiff competition from their rivals.

With the former AC Milan star reportedly ‘ready’ to join Spurs, according to Fabrizio Romano, Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta could have a battle on their hands, with Man City and Man United also previously linked.

City have their hands full with repeated marquee bids for Elliot Anderson, while United appear to be focused on Mateus Fernandes, so Spurs look to be Arsenal’s main rivals in the race for Tonali.

Interestingly, The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards claims that the Magpies have a clear view of who they believe could ultimately secure the 26-year-old’s signature.

Arsenal given Sandro Tonali boost as Newcastle make Tottenham stance clear

Indeed, according to Edwards, Newcastle are not convinced that Spurs represent the biggest threat in the race for Tonali’s signature at all.

Instead, there is a growing belief inside St James’ Park that Arsenal are the real club to watch.

Newcastle are understood to expect offers for him before the transfer window closes, and the club have placed a huge valuation on the midfielder, with a bid in the region of £100 million needed to even begin discussions.

That figure reflects Tonali’s importance to Eddie Howe’s side.

Since arriving in England, he has developed into one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders.

His ability to dictate play, break up opposition attacks and contribute in possession has made him a central figure in Newcastle’s project.

While Tottenham have been linked with a possible move, Newcastle reportedly suspect there could be more to those rumours than meets the eye.

According to Edwards’ report in The Telegraph, there is a feeling at Newcastle that Spurs’ new links may be just a ploy to increase pressure on Arsenal to make their move, with Arteta’s side viewed inside the club as clear favourites for Tonali.

Arsenal’s long-standing search for midfield reinforcements is well documented.

The north London club have been linked with several high-profile names, most notably Ayyoub Bouaddi, but Tonali would undoubtedly fit the profile of player capable of taking Arteta’s men to yet another level.

From Newcastle’s perspective, though, the message remains unchanged — only a mammoth bid will convince them to do business.

Tonali is regarded as one of the pillars of the squad and a player capable of helping the club compete at the highest level for years to come.

Any interested club would therefore need to produce an extraordinary offer to test Newcastle’s resolve.

For now, there is no indication that a formal bid has been submitted by either Arsenal or Tottenham, but Newcastle believe Tonali could be destined for N5 if he is to leave.