Manchester City have entered the race to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, with new manager Enzo Maresca keen to make an immediate impact. The FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders have maintained their interest in the Italy international, according to sources close to Tonali's representatives, who describe City as serious contenders to prise him away from Tyneside.
Spurs' Bid Rejected, City Could Match Terms
Tottenham had an £80 million offer knocked back by Newcastle this month, with the Magpies holding out for a figure closer to £100 million. Tonali has agreed a wage structure in principle with Spurs worth £275,000 per week on a lucrative six-year contract, which would also see his agency GR Sports pocket a 10% cut of the fee. Manchester City could comfortably match those terms as they look to replace Portugal star Bernardo Silva and seek cover for Spain ace Rodri. Tonali had also been a target during the Pep Guardiola era.
Arsenal Shift Focus to Bruno Guimaraes
Arsenal were offered Tonali but were deterred by his wage demands and the eye-watering agent fees attached to the deal. The Gunners have since shifted their focus towards Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazil star having departed for the World Cup without signing a new contract, reports Chronicle Live. City have just spent £116 million on Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest but retain the financial firepower to launch another major move for Tonali.
Spurs Still in the Race, Agent Hints at Move
Tottenham will still fancy their chances of landing Tonali, but the prospect of joining a hungry Manchester City side keen to retain their title from Arsenal could prove an irresistible draw for the Italy international. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is thought to share a strong bond with agent Giuseppe Riso, who has never been reluctant to hint that his client could depart Newcastle. Speaking in March regarding a potential move to Arsenal or Manchester City, Riso said: "Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he's the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world." He added: "The deal came about because a club like Newcastle, with unlimited financial resources, had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league."
Newcastle Open to Sale on Their Terms
When asked whether Newcastle would sanction a sale of Tonali this summer, chief executive David Hopkinson stated three months ago: "We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer. But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we're going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club."
