Newcastle in Advanced Talks to Sign Sandro Tonali from AC Milan
Newcastle United are reportedly in advanced negotiations with AC Milan over a move to sign Italian international Sandro Tonali. The 23-year-old midfielder has been labelled ‘the new Andrea Pirlo’ and has played 130 times for the Milan club. According to The Athletic, Newcastle could pay a whopping £60million for his services, which would match the club-record deal they agreed with Real Sociedad last summer to sign striker Alexander Isak.
Negotiations for Tonali’s transfer have been ongoing, with an offer of around £45million being knocked back by Milan on Tuesday. However, an agreement is now close after a full day of negotiations. Tonali began his career at Brescia in 2020 before making his move to AC Milan permanent a year later. He helped them win the Serie A title in the 2021/22 season and has already made 14 appearances for the Italy senior side.
Tonali to Play in the Under-21 European Championships
Tonali will also captain the Under-21s at this summer’s European Championship. The midfielder is expected to play a key role for Italy as they look to defend their title. Tonali has been in impressive form for AC Milan, making 48 appearances for the club in all competitions last season as they finished fourth in Serie A and reached the Champions League semi-finals.
Newcastle’s Statement of Intent
If Newcastle manages to sign Tonali, it would be another statement of intent from Eddie Howe and Newcastle to land the highly-rated midfielder, who has previously been linked to Arsenal and Chelsea. Howe wants to push Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes further up the pitch next season, as they look to build on their brilliant 2022/23 campaign. The Magpies are believed to be keen on signing two new midfielders this summer.
James Maddison and Nicolo Barella Also on Newcastle’s Radar
Apart from Tonali, Howe is also keen on long-term target James Maddison, who was relegated with Leicester, but face competition from Tottenham. Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella has also been mooted as a potential target. Newcastle is looking to strengthen their midfield options and build a team that can challenge for a top-six finish in the Premier League next season.
Conclusion
Newcastle United is in advanced talks to sign Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. The Magpies are hopeful of agreeing a deal for the Italian international and could pay a whopping £60million for his services. Tonali has been labelled ‘the new Andrea Pirlo’ and has played 130 times for the Milan club. He helped them win the Serie A title in the 2021/22 season and has already made 14 appearances for the Italy senior side. If Newcastle manages to sign Tonali, it would be another statement of intent from Eddie Howe and Newcastle to land the highly-rated midfielder. The Magpies are also believed to be keen on signing two new midfielders this summer, including James Maddison and Nicolo Barella. Newcastle is looking to strengthen their midfield options and build a team that can challenge for a top-six finish in the Premier League next season.