Man Utd join race to sign Sandro Tonali

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 8 Feb 2026 12:52 CST
  • 3 min read
Sandro Tonali, Newcastle, 2025/26
© IMAGO

Manchester United have reportedly identified Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali as a key transfer target amid their pursuit of a new central midfielder this summer.

Article continues under the video

The Italy international has been a standout performer for Eddie Howe’s side since returning from a betting-related ban in 2024 and he has been widely tipped to secure a blockbuster transfer later this year.

Current ETV
Player image Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali

DM, M (C)

Newcastle logo

Newcastle

Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali

DM, M (C)

Newcastle

Newcastle

€59M

ETV Range

€53.1M - €64.9M

Arsenal were linked with a surprise move for the 25-year-old on Transfer Deadline Day and FootballTransfers understands that Tonali himself asked his agent to explore a potential move to the Emirates Stadium.

We have also been told that Arsenal will rekindle their pursuit of Tonali this summer, with Mikel Arteta eager to land the Italy star as he looks to further bolster the options at his disposal.

However, Chelsea and Manchester City have also been touted as potential destinations for the former AC Milan midfielder, while Man Utd have now joined the race for his signature, as per The Telegraph.

It’s reported that Man Utd officials have earmarked Tonali as a top candidate to replace Casemiro, who will depart the club when his contract expires in July. The Red Devils are also tracking the progress of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, but Tonali has now been added to their transfer wishlist amid growing rumours that he could leave Newcastle in 2026.

Sandro Tonali, Newcastle
© IMAGO - Sandro Tonali, Newcastle

Sandro Tonali transfer message

News of Man Utd’s interest in Tonali comes after his agent, Giuseppe Riso, confirmed that a transfer could be on the cards this summer.

“Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,” Riso told Italian publication Tuttosport earlier this week.

“We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. These transfer discussions will take place later. We’ll see how the season ends and then we’ll decide what to do.

“There’s no preference. It’s still early. What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club.”

Tonali, who has made 37 appearances across all competitions so far this season, has an Estimated Transfer Value of €59 million, but it’s claimed that a fee of around €115m (£100m) will be required to sign him this summer.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available in the Apple App Store. Download here:

App Store