Arsenal have been urged to avoid splashing the money on Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali when the transfer window reopens in the summertime.
Tonali is having fun with his third – and arguably his best – season at St James’ Park because the driving force in the guts of Eddie Howe’s midfield.
But such impressive performances have seen interest within the Italian grow, particularly from Premier League rivals.
Tonali was reportedly the topic of transfer interest from Arsenal on deadline day, when the Gunners scoured the marketplace for a last-ditch alternative for Mikel Merino after his long-term injury.
No talks took place between Arsenal and Newcastle over a deadline-day move, however the north London club look like keen to revive their interest in Tonali this summer.
Nonetheless, former Gunners star Anders Limpar believes Mikel Arteta’s side is already stacked with talent in midfield and shouldn’t be sure whether the signing of Tonali would respresent an improvement.
‘I’m undecided if Sandro Tonali can add anything to the midfield,’ Limpar told SpilXperten.
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‘We’ve got Zubimendi, Declan Rice and even Merino who will come back. We’ve got Norgaard who’s unbelievable as well.
‘Should they splash the money for a player like Tonali? He can be number five. He’s a hell of a player, but I’m undecided he would strengthen Arsenal.
‘If Norgaard plays often and is trusted by the manager, he’s going to be unbelievable for Arsenal, but he shouldn’t be playing because Zubimendi and Rice are playing amazingly.
‘The midfield shouldn’t be a spot where Arsenal needs a brand new player. They’ve five world class players, so Tonali wouldn’t slot in. For my part we shouldn’t buy him.’
Together with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with interest in Tonali, who’s under contract at St James’ Park until 2029, and is believed to be valued at around £100million.
And speaking recently, the Italian’s agent Giuseppe Riso hinted his client may seek a move from St James’ Park if Newcastle don’t qualify for the Champions League.
‘Newcastle are having a tough time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to guide the club to the Champions League,’ Piso recently said.
‘We’ll evaluate and judge what to do in the summertime. These transfer discussions will happen later.
‘We’ll see how the season ends after which we’ll determine what to do. There’s no preference in the meanwhile.
‘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 in moving, especially since Sandro could be very attached to the club.’
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