Manchester City in race to sign Newcastle United midfielder in expected summer transfer chase | OneFootball

Sandro Tonali could be pursued by Manchester City in the upcoming summer transfer window if Newcastle United are open to selling the Italian midfielder. 

The former AC Milan star has been a key asset in Eddie Howe’s side for several seasons since joining from the Serie A in a deal worth a reported £55 million in 2023.

The 25-year-old became the most expensive Italian player of all time as a result of that move, before Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah signed Mateo Retegui last year for £4.6 million more. 

Tonali featured 45 times last season for the Magpies and helped them qualify for European football for a second time in three seasons, previously winning the 2022 Serie A title with Milan and part of the side that reached the Champions League semi-final the preceding year. 

His continuity and understanding of the English game is only improving as he gains more minutes in the Premier League and he remains an important player for Eddie Howe, who he has granted 36 appearances so far this season. 

As a result of his eye-catching football, it was reported that Chelsea were eyeing a move for Tonali to bolster their midfield ranks, despite already boasting Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the centre of the park.

Then on most recent January transfer deadline day, claims pointed towards Arsenal pushing for the midfielder but the Magpies insisted he was not for sale, with Howe claiming Tonali was “very happy” at the club before a 5-1 aggregate thumping at the Etihad Stadium.

After that victory, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola was spotted in deep conversation with Tonali and now, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, the eight-time Premier League champions could make a move to sign him in the summer if he looks to leave St James’ Park. 

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, O’Rourke said, “There’ll be lots more speculation in regard to Sandro Tonali. That news on deadline day was probably just the start of it.

“There has been constant rumours of a possible move away for Tonali, talk of going back to Italy with AC Milan, Juventus, talk of homesickness and all sorts as well.

“He has a great start to the season, maybe came off the boil a little bit in recent weeks, but he is still a key player for Eddie Howe’s side.”

O’Rourke continued, “Howe won’t want to lose Tonali, he’ll want to keep hold of him and build a side around him. He would be a huge loss to Newcastle if they were to lose him.

“I’m sure there are Premier League clubs who are monitoring his situation, Arsenal obviously were linked on deadline day. Manchester City are interested in Tonali as well, if there’s any indication he could be lured away from St James’ Park.” 

The reports of a move for Sandro Tonali come at a time where Rodri’s recent injury history is throwing his Manchester City future into some element of doubt, despite being one of the best midfielders in the world in previous seasons.

The Ballon d’Or winner has attracted the attention of Real Madrid, who are keen on signing him this summer, although it remains to be seen whether a breakthrough in contractual talks will tie down the Spaniard to the Etihad Stadium for the foreseeable future.