Sandro Tonali to Arsenal: Arteta’s unique bargaining chip for Newcastle star

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 27 Feb 2026 10:00 CST
• 4 min read

News

Sandro Tonali is likely to leave Newcastle this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, with Arsenal touted as a strong candidate to sign the Italy international star.

Tonali has emerged as one of the Premier League’s leading central midfielders since moving to Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023 for €59 million.

Now the 25-year-old is willing to explore the possibility of a move to an alternative club, and Arsenal are one of the sides ready to explore a move.

Current ETV

Sandro Tonali

DM, M (C)

Newcastle

Sandro Tonali

DM, M (C)

Newcastle

€59M

ETV Range

€53.1M - €64.9M

View full profile

Romano reveals Arsenal’s Tonali interest

Fabrizio Romano explained on his YouTube channel: “I think there is a strong possibility to see Sandro Tonali moving in the summer transfer window.

“With Arsenal, for sure there is appreciation. But in January it was absolutely impossible, not even realistic, not even a negotiation, because Arsenal were never going to try something impossible. Newcastle were never letting him leave in January. That story was impossible.

“In the summer it could be different. Let’s see with Arsenal, but it’s not only Arsenal.

“For example, the player is being watched by Manchester United. Let’s see what’s going to happen also with Italian clubs. Juventus dream of Sandro Tonali, but of course it’s a very expensive deal, complicated for Italian clubs. And let’s see if Juventus will be in the Champions League next season or not.

“And also let’s see the price, because again it’s Newcastle dictating the timing and the price of this story. When you sit at the table with Newcastle, it’s never easy.”

Do Arsenal need Tonali?

Arsenal want to enhance their midfield options in the summer so it seems logical they are tracking Tonali, given the indications are that he is available.

What is a little more surprising is that he offers a virtually identical profile to Martin Zubimendi in terms of how he is being used by Newcastle this season. While this would offer Arteta the opportunity to make like-for-like rotation, the increased competition at the Emirates may come as a culture shock to someone who has grown used to be an undisputed starter.

In SciSports’ Career Advice tool, which gives teams a Club Fit score based on a variety of metrics, the uncertainty over Tonali’s game time at the Emirates is highlighted by the fact that he is given only two stars for playing time.

However, this immediate competition has the potential to forge a world-beating talent.

Tonali can become one of the best in the world

Arsenal are the club that look best placed to allow him to reach his absolute maximum potential in time. They score five stars in terms of his development – one of only two teams, along with Barcelona, to do so.

For Tonali, this should be a source of excitement. Arsenal can turn him into an elite central midfielder.

SciSports gives a SciSkill score to every player based on hundreds of in-game data points. Tonali’s SciSkill is currently 107.7 – making him the 11th best central midfielder in the game.

If he were to reach his projected ceiling of 120.3, he would be the second best in the world behind only Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga.

Serie A challenge

Arsenal, though, are not an absolutely perfect destination. SciSports has questions over whether Mikel Arteta’s style is designed to get the best from the 25-year-old, for example.

So what are the other viable destinations?

Tonali has been regularly linked with a move back to Italy, and it’s here that he would find his absolute best options.

Arsenal’s Club Fit score of 74 is eclipsed by Roma (83), Napoli (79), AC Milan (76) and Juventus (75) among Serie A’s elite.

Should Tonali choose to return home to Italy, then there are excellent options waiting for him, but if he is serious about becoming the best version of himself, moving to North London and joining Arteta’s side is his best decision.

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