Manchester City are reportedly the favourites to sign an Italian midfielder, but is it a feasible move? | OneFootball

Manchester City will be looking to strengthen their midfield this summer. That has been apparent for some time. It looks like Elliot Anderson is City’s main midfield target, and they are hoping to sign Anderson from Nottingham Forest ahead of this summer’s World Cup. What is also becoming clear is that City will be looking to sign another midfielder as well as Elliot Anderson.

One player has been recently linked with a move to Manchester City is Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. A new report indicates that Manchester City are considered the favourites to sign the Italian international. But looking closer, does a City move for Tonali make sense? Perhaps not on closer inspection.

Manchester City is reportedly seen as the likely destination for Sandro Tonali.

A new report from Graeme Bailey has provided an update on Sandro Tonali and his chances of leaving Newcastle United this summer for TeamTalk. Bailey reports that Sandro Tonali’s agent, working alongside intermediaries, has sounded out clubs from across Europe to gauge interest in a sunmer move for Tonali. As per Graeme Bailey’s report, Real Madrid have been sounded out to see if they would be interested in signing Tonali. Furthermore, Bailey reports that Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all been sounded out by Tonali’s camp. Each club has varying interest in signing the versatile and talented midfielder.

On Manchester City’s interest in signing Tonali, Bailey reports that City are considered the favourites to sign him. Graeme Bailey adds that City’s rival believe that Tonali is likely to sign for Pep Guardiola’s side. Furthermore, Bailey reports that City have accelerated their interest in a summer move for Tonali recently.

Is Sandro Tonali the midfielder that City need this summer?

There is no doubt that Sandro Tonali is one of the top midfielders in the Premier League. After serving a sizable ban for a betting scandal, Tonali has established himself as an elite midfielder in the Premier League. Tonali’s ability to play as a number six, or as an eight, makes him a valuable weapon. As does his creativity, passing ability and ability to dictate a game from midfield. Tonali is a midfield workhorse and the way he plays does allow Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes to get forward. Tonali reads the game exceptionally well out of possession and his ability to break up play and win duels makes him an elite midfielder. However, Tonali doesn’t seem to be the ideal fit for Manchester City’s midfield.

Pep Guardiola’s squad already has Rodri and Nico in it. The pair typically play in the number six role and know exactly what Pep Guardiola wants in that position. Tonali, in theory, could play as a number eight further ahead of Rodri or Nico. The Italian midfielder does have the creativity to do so. However, Nico O’Reilly has shown how good he is in a similar role for Manchester City. Is Tonali a better option in midfield for City than Nico O’Reilly? Perhaps not. There is also the factor that City are eager to sign Elliot Anderson that also factors into the equation. Plus there is Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki who can also play centrally for City.

Final thoughts.

Manchester City will most likely be in the market for two midfielders this summer. Elliot Anderson is one. Sandro Tonali is potentially another. As good as the Italian midfielder is, he doesn’t seem to be the ideal fit for Manchester City’s midfield. That could change depending on who leaves City this summer. But right now, it is hard to see what role Tonali would play for Pep Guardiola’s side. Especially considering that Newcastle will demand a kings ransom to sell him this summer.