Real Madrid scout 25-year-old midfielder during Newcastle United vs Manchester City | OneFootball

Real Madrid have some glaring issues in the midfield department. There is a lack of a player who can control and dictate play from the centre of the park since Toni Kroos and Luka Modric bid goodbye.

The existing options in the squad have not stepped up in the way that the club officials expected them. As such, movement has begun at Valdebebas ahead of the next summer transfer window, with the objective of reinforcing the midfield.

Sandro Tonali on Real Madrid’s radar

Now, according to reports in England, as relayed by SPORT, Real Madrid have identified Newcastle United and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali as a potential target.

Real Madrid scouts were present this past weekend at St James’ Park to closely observe the 25-year-old midfielder during the FA Cup match between Newcastle and Manchester City.

Although the Cityzens are Los Blancos’ opponents in the Champions League Round of 16, with the first leg to be played this Wednesday, the scouts were not only gathering information about Guardiola’s side. They also focused their attention on Tonali.

Tonali is on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The Italian started the match and played the full 90 minutes in Newcastle’s 1-3 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup tie. He did, however, get the assist for the goal scored by Harvey Barnes.

With that assist, Tonali now has seven assists this season, along with three goals, all scored in 2026.

Arsenal in the race

Real Madrid have started to show interest in Tonali as part of a long-term race heading toward the summer transfer window, a race currently led by Arsenal.

The Gunners already attempted to sign the former AC Milan star during the winter transfer window, but the deal did not materialise while Newcastle continued to rely on their star midfielder.

His importance at St. James’ Park is so significant that Newcastle are unwilling to let him leave for less than €100 million. Whether Real Madrid would be willing to shell out such a fee for the player remains to be seen.