Manchester City ‘very attentive’ to Sandro Tonali situation as €100M Newcastle United exit looms | OneFootball

Manchester City are closely monitoring the situation of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali ahead of the summer transfer window, as per a new report.

City director of football Hugo Viana is expected to make central midfield a primary area of focus when the window opens, with Bernardo Silva looking set to depart the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer in June.

Mateo Kovacic having endured an injury-disrupted campaign that has cast further doubt over his long-term future in Manchester, with the Croatian also likely to be moved on as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.

The Blues are also bracing for uncertainty over Rodri, who has publicly courted interest from Real Madrid and is approaching the final year of his contract – making the acquisition of top-level midfield talent an urgent priority regardless of who occupies the dugout next season.

Moretto: City ‘very attentive’ as United lead the chase

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Manchester City are being ‘very attentive’ to the situation of the Italy international, who is valued at around €100 million.

In addition, Manchester United have placed Tonali at the top of their midfield wish-list for the summer window, with the feasibility of an operation expected to become clearer in the coming weeks.

What is the context around a potential Tonali departure?

Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso set the tone for this summer’s speculation when he told Calcio E Finanza earlier this month that moving to England had always been a stepping stone – and that reaching one of the continent’s biggest clubs was always the overarching goal of the Italian’s time in the north-east.

A so-called gentleman’s agreement is also widely reported to exist between Tonali and Newcastle, in which the club would be open to discussing a departure should Eddie Howe’s side fall short of European qualification for the 2026-27 campaign – an outcome looking increasingly likely as the season draws to a close.

The 25-year-old has been one of the Magpies’ most influential performers since returning from his 10-month ban, establishing himself as arguably the most complete midfielder in the Premier League and one of the most coveted players in European football.

Will City move for Tonali this summer?

Newcastle’s valuation of around €100 million makes Tonali one of the most expensive potential acquisitions in the Premier League this summer – and City face fierce competition not only from Manchester United but also from Arsenal and Chelsea, all of whom have been credited with interest in the Italian.

City have been following Tonali’s situation for some time and with the Blues already strongly linked with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as their primary midfield target, the possibility of a substantial double midfield investment this summer is one that cannot be dismissed.