Arsenal have been another chance to sign Manchester United and Tottenham target Sandro Tonali as they chase his Newcastle United teammate Bruno Guimaraes.
Mikel Arteta is determined to sign a new top-class midfielder this summer despite guiding Arsenal to a long-awaited Premier League title last season.
The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for Tonali in the backend of the January transfer window, with the Italian believed to be offered to Arsenal by his representatives.
A deal was never likely to materialise but Arsenal have continued to show interest in Tonali since, although Newcastle’s price tag and the player’s wage demands are seen as a problem.
It is in fact Tottenham and Manchester United who have moved ahead of Arsenal in the transfer race as Roberto De Zerbi and Michael Carrick look to bolster their respective squads.
Spurs had a £75m bid for Tonali rejected by Newcastle and are now weighing up making an improved offer to bring him to north London.
Manchester United could yet launch a rival move, though, as Carrick looks for midfield reinforcements following Casemiro’s departure.
The Red Devils have already signed Brazil international Ederson from Atalanta but want at least one more midfielder to arrive at Old Trafford.
While Tonali has attracted interest from United and Spurs, a move to Arsenal was not ruled out given the 26-year-old is believed to be keen to join the new Premier League champions.
According to Chronicle Live, Arsenal were once again offered the chance to sign Tonali last week by his agents at GR Sports.
But it is claimed Arsenal ‘did not entertain’ Tonali’s steep wage demands – he reportedly wants around £275,000-a-week – or the lofty agent fees associated with the deal.
As a result Arsenal are expected to focus their attentions on a deal for fellow Newcastle star Guimaraes.
Newcastle have denied any contact from Arsenal over the Brazilian but talks are expected to commence, with Arteta keen to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
Guimaraes, who has been at St James’ Park since 2022, could be open to a summer move after Newcastle failed to qualify for any European competition.
Eddie Howe’s side featured in the Champions League last season but finished that campaign just 12th in the Premier League.
While Arsenal appear reluctant to join the race for Tonali, Jermaine Jenas believes he would be an upgrade on Arteta’s current options in midfield.
‘In my opinion, Sandro Tonali is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League,’ Jenas told 10 bet.
‘He had his misdemeanour [betting ban], came back, and I thought his attitude from that exact point onward has been brilliant.
‘He’s a dictator of a game; he sets the pace and sets the tone every time he plays. He did the same when he was at AC Milan.
‘When I look at that Arsenal midfield, I was never fully convinced by Martín Zubimendi, if I’m honest with you. I think he’s a decent, solid player, but Tonali would definitely be a level up in that midfield alongside Declan Rice.’