Mikel Arteta is reportedly eyeing a bold move for Newcastle’s Italian maestro Sandro Tonali as Arsenal look to solve their midfield injury crisis ahead of the summer window.
The Ornstein Bombshell
In a report that has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, David Ornstein has confirmed that Arsenal have placed Sandro Tonali at the top of their monitoring list. The Italian international, who has been in stellar form at St James’ Park since his return, is seen as the perfect profile to add “elite bite” and technical security to the Gunners’ engine room.
While the board is approaching the situation with trademark caution, internal discussions have intensified following a proposal involving a potential exchange or structured deal.
The Mikel Merino Factor
The urgency behind Arsenal’s interest is driven by a lack of depth. With Mikel Merino sidelined through injury, the burden on Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi has been immense.
- The Problem: Arteta feels the squad is “one injury away” from a crisis in the pivot position.
- The Solution: Tonali’s ability to play both as a ‘6’ and an ‘8’ makes him a dream tactical asset for the Spaniard’s high-intensity system.
Summer Move Most Likely
Although the interest is real, a deal in the final hours of the winter window was deemed “impossible” due to Newcastle’s firm stance. The Magpies consider Tonali a cornerstone of their project and would demand a fee well in excess of £70 million.
However, Ornstein suggests that Arsenal are “laying the groundwork” for a blockbuster summer offensive. The Gunners are expected to wait until June to test Newcastle’s resolve, especially if Champions League football is secured.
Midfield Comparison: How Tonali Fits
| Player | Role | Key Strength |
| Declan Rice | Box-to-Box | Defensive Coverage / Ball Carrying |
| Martin Zubimendi | Deep-Lying Playmaker | Tactical Discipline / Passing |
| Sandro Tonali | Hybrid Midfielder | Aggression / Vision / Transition Play |
James Horan is a football writer focused on the Premier League transfer market, covering confirmed signings, transfer rumors, and club strategies during the transfer windows.
