Arsenal is looking to bolster the squad in the summer, and some targets have already been identified. One target was linked in the January window as well, but the club has now been advised against pursuing the move.
Arsenal Told $125 Million Target Wouldn’t Strengthen Midfield
The injury to Mikel Merino saw Arsenal linked with a move for a midfielder in the January window, with reports suggesting Sandro Tonali was a target. The Newcastle United star was connected to a Deadline Day switch, but the Magpies showed no interest in selling.
Reports later confirmed that Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, had offered him to various clubs, including the Gunners, as he looks to help his client take the next step in his career. The North London side has not ruled out a move in the summer, but one former player is not convinced.
Speaking to SpilXperten, Anders Limpar claimed that Arsenal’s midfield is already stacked and does not need another addition. He said he does not see anything in Tonali to suggest he would be an upgrade on the options available to Mikel Arteta:
“I am not sure if Sandro Tonali can add anything to the midfield. We have Zubimendi, Declan Rice and even Merino who will come back. We have Norgaard who is unbelievable as well. Should they splash the cash for a player like Tonali? He would be number five. He is a hell of a player, but I am not sure he would strengthen Arsenal.
“If Norgaard plays regularly and is trusted by the manager, he is going to be unbelievable for Arsenal, but he is not playing because Zubimendi and Rice are playing amazingly. The midfield is not a spot where Arsenal needs a new player. They have five world class players, so Tonali wouldn’t fit in. In my opinion we shouldn’t buy him.”
Chelsea and Manchester United are also monitoring the former AC Milan star, who is open to leaving Newcastle United. He is under contract until 2029, and the Magpies want $125 million to sell him. That fee is about $30 million less than what Liverpool paid to sign Alexander Isak from the Tyneside club last summer.
Riso hinted in a recent interview that his client would consider his options in the summer if Newcastle United do not finish in the Premier League’s top five, as he wants to play in the UEFA Champions League regularly.
