Another big midfield move may be on the cards for Manchester City but is it the right one? | OneFootball

Although Manchester City have seen a second bid rejected for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson it is expected that Anderson will sign for City this summer. Tom Collomosse has reported for the Daily Mail that it is expected that Anderson will sign for City at some point this month. If, or when, City complete the signing of Anderson, that will be one hole in City’s midfield filled. It has now been reported that Manchester City could also be set to move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. Tonali is a fine player and a proven performer in the Premier League. But is he a fit for what City need? That may be a question to investigate, especially considering Tonali wouldn’t come cheap.

Manchester City appreciate Sandro Tonali reports Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano commented earlier this week on Manchester City’s interest in signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle. Romano also touched on City’s bid to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. He explained: “Manchester City yesterday offered £121m add-ons included, for Elliot Anderson – £106m plus £15m as add-ons.”

“The bid has been rejected by Nottingham Forest. Forest want guaranteed money and for Anderson to officially become the most expensive midfielder in the history of the Premier League, more than Declan Rice, and more than [Moises] Caicedo.”

“Now let’s see what Manchester City decide to do because it was already a big proposal. Don’t forget what I told you last week, another player really appreciated, really, really appreciated by Manchester City is also Sandro Tonali.”

“Man City have several options in midfield. On Tonali, there is interest from other clubs in England, including Arsenal. But for sure it’s going to be an interesting couple of days and weeks around midfielders because Man Utd are working on their deals.”

Is Sandro Tonali the midfielder that City need this summer?

Working on the assumption that Manchester City do sign Elliot Anderson, City’s midfield would have a completely different look. Alongside Anderson, City would have Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, and Tijjani Reijnders in their ranks. Also, Nico O’Reilly could move into midfield next season. Plus, there are also Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden to factor into the equation. Now, if one or both of Nico and Tijjani Reijnders leave City, that would change what type of midfielder City needs. But is Tonali the right fit?

Sandro Tonali can play across midfield in a variety of roles. Particularly as a number six or an eight. He ticks that particular box that City crave in players, especially midfielders. In terms of passing, Tonali can play a quality cross-field ball and also keeps the ball moving quickly with one- and two-touch passes. Tonali is press-resistant to a degree. Sandro Tonali’s ball-carrying ability is also exceptional, so in possession, Tonali does seem like a midfielder Manchester City needs.

However, as much as Tonali can keep the ball moving quickly which is a strength of Newcastle’s game under Eddie Howe, Manchester City are a possession heavy side. They were under Pep Guardiola. With Enzo Maresca expected to be Guardiola’s replacement, that won’t change at City. Does Tonali fit Maresca’s style of play in possession? Maybe not. Outside of possession, Tonali reads the game well, but isn’t strong in a challenge. Does that fit what City need? Perhaps it does if Tonali were to start alongside Rodri or Elliot Anderson. Perhaps Tonali couldn’t be a lonely number six in a City side. That seems to a query around his fit into a Manchester City team.

The other factor is the cost. Newcastle United will not sell Sandro Tonali cheaply. Lee Ryder has reported for Chronicle Live that Newcastle will demand £100 million for Tonali. Would Manchester City spend up to £230 million on two midfielders? Perhaps not. Maybe if they sell Nico Gonzalez or Tijjani Reijnders, or both, that may be an option. That side of the equation may have to play out first. But on closer inspection it is hard to see City spending so much on two midfielders.

Final thoughts.

Sandro Tonali continues to be named as a potential summer transfer target for Manchester City. There are parts of Tonali’s game that would slot into a City side. However, there are aspects of Tonali’s play that may not be suited to a role in an Enzo Maresca team. Summer departures may shape Manchester City’s chase to sign Sandro Tonali, as will Newcastle’s reported transfer fee. But as good as Tonali is, you do wonder if there is another midfielder out there, aside from Elliot Anderson, that Manchester City could target this summer who may be a better fit for their midfield.