Newcastle United have yet to hold serious talks about Sandro Tonali's potential exit, despite fresh insistence that the Magpies will demand £100m for the Italy midfielder. As Chronicle Live reported on June 5, Arsenal have already indicated they value Tonali at no more than £60m, cooling their interest. This leaves Manchester City and Manchester United as potential suitors, though it remains unclear if Arsenal will reconsider now that Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest in the former AC Milan star's agent, Giuseppe Riso.
Agent Driving Potential Exit
Riso has been instrumental in pushing for Tonali's departure from St James' Park, but he argues he is simply doing his job by identifying opportunities for his client. Newcastle contend that Tonali has a strong contract on Tyneside, running until at least 2029. However, the prospect of a wage exceeding £150,000 per week is a real lure for the Magpies. Sporting director Ross Wilson will drive a hard bargain, but despite talk of Spurs' interest, the London side, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, have not submitted a bid.
Newcastle Chairman's Message
Much has been made of Newcastle's mixed start to the summer transfer window, with Ewen Jaouen's arrival yet to be followed by a second signing. Chronicle Live has been assured by insiders that there is a plan in place and that Newcastle are working behind the scenes. The Magpies will not make knee-jerk reactions after failing to land Victor Munoz. Chairman Yasir Al Rumayyan has spoken of a patient but dedicated approach, stating: "For us at the PIF, we always continue to invest, be very much diverse, and our portfolio structurally resilient. We are a long-term patient investor, and we will remain committed to all of our investments and investment strategy around the world." He added that the new strategy until 2030 aims to bring the world back to Saudi Arabia.
Stadium Investment Partners
On May 18, Chronicle Live confirmed that Newcastle have been approached by several potential business partners for a new stadium project or revamp of St James' Park. It is now understood that one of those partners is KKR/Arctos Partners, a US-based private equity firm, regarding future stadium plans. PIF were always seeking a partner, investor, or sponsor for the project. A Reuters report last month suggested these discussions had taken place, and Chronicle Live understands that new investors could work with PIF to contribute funds for a new home or reimagined St James' Park.
