Romano on Arsenal's interest in signing £55m star, Man Utd have "already" contacted his camp

Reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed Arsenal’s stance on signing Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners were linked with a deadline-day move for the Italy international last winter following a serious foot injury sustained by midfielder Mikel Merino.

However, a deal was never on the cards. Arsenal never made a formal approach, while the Magpies were quite clear that the Italian would be staying with them.

The scenario could be different at the end of the season. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said the Gunners have an interest in the former AC Milan star.

While the club are monitoring the situation, Romano clarified that there is ‘nothing advanced’, and Manchester United are the club in contact with the player’s camp.

He said: “Arsenal have an interest in Sandro Tonali but they never made an attempt to sign him in January because it was always impossible. Arsenal keep following the situation but still nothing advanced. Man Utd have already confirmed their interest to the player’s camp.”

Tonali to Arsenal speculation was agent-driven

Tonali has been a key player for the Magpies since his £55 million switch from AC Milan three years ago. Barring his absence for a betting ban, he has been almost ever-present under manager Eddie Howe.

Despite this, the midfielder is obviously eyeing a bigger challenge away from the Tyneside outfit. The Magpies are lying 12th in the league, seven points behind a potential Champions League spot in fifth.

They look on course to miss out on Europe’s elite club competition and may not be playing any European football either. Tonali’s stance does not surprise us, and his agent is probably driving the speculation.

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein personally confirmed last month that Tonali’s agent offered the midfielder’s services to Arsenal rather than the Gunners initiating an approach for the player.

Hence, Arsenal are not actively exploring a move for Tonali, unlike Man Utd. A deal won’t be easy to pursue as the Magpies could hold out for as much as £100m to part ways with his services.

Furthermore, Tonali may want the assurance of a regular starting berth in midfield, which is not certain at Arsenal with Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice being undisputed starters under manager Mikel Arteta.

A deal also seems unlikely unless there is a high-profile midfield exit. United will release Casemiro on a free transfer this summer, and appear better placed to secure a transfer deal for Tonali.

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