Manchester United confirms Tonali is a key summer target, willing to pay a high price of 90 million! Arsenal first to abandon pursuit.

According to reports from Italy's "Tuttosport," Manchester United club management has confirmed that Sandro Tonali is on the club's list for midfield rebuilding this summer, and ranks very high. However, the Red Devils anticipate his signing fee could reach 90 million pounds, provided Manchester United secures Champions League qualification and meets Newcastle's asking price. Tonali appreciates Newcastle's support over recent years and will not cause a rift with them.

After Tonali was linked with several top clubs, Newcastle strives to remain calm, but they know one rumored club need not worry—that is Arsenal. It is understood that after failing to secure Tonali from Newcastle on the winter transfer deadline last year, Arsenal has already abandoned interest in him.

At that time, Newcastle insisted they had not received any approach from Arsenal regarding this Italian international, despite rumors that Tonali's agent Giuseppe Riso had proactively promoted him to Arsenal chairman Andrea Berta.

Riso later denied this claim by "The Athletic." According to reports from Newcastle's "Chronicle," Newcastle knows Tonali's uncertain stance on staying or leaving but chooses to maintain stability without change.

Subsequently, Arsenal held multiple meetings regarding summer transfer matters, and Tonali's name did not appear on the initial list. Because Arsenal spent 268 million pounds last year on signing Eberechi Eze (67.5 million pounds), Zeki Amdouni

(63.7 million pounds), and Martin Zubimendi (56 million pounds), they face recruitment funding constraints this year.

Under the Premier League's PSR Profitability and Sustainability Rules, Arsenal may have only an initial transfer budget of 40 million pounds this summer. Therefore, Arsenal will supplement funds by selling players, including stars like Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli, who are rumored to be potential sale targets.

Regardless, based on the current situation, Arsenal has been excluded from Tonali's list of potential summer transfer destinations. Sources indicate that his joining the Gunners this summer is "almost impossible."

Tonali has also been linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid, but Newcastle hopes he stays at the club. Regarding Juventus from Serie A, the "Magpies" do not consider them a threat, knowing no Italian team can afford to purchase Tonali.

Regardless of whether Manchester United secures Champions League qualification, Newcastle believes Tonali will show some loyalty, just as they supported him during his suspension. Tonali himself has clearly expressed willingness to join the leadership group within the dressing room. Tonali emphasized to insiders that he is currently very happy at Newcastle.

In recent weeks, Newcastle has had to take special measures regarding Tonali, reducing his exposure in English media and advising him to avoid any statements about his future that could be overinterpreted. But Newcastle's高层 also knows many clubs will likely show interest in Tonali's transfer this summer.

Regardless of whether Tonali's agent opposes, Newcastle will absolutely not sell at a low price. To pry him away from St James' Park, the transfer fee could approach 100 million—and not the previously rumored euros, but 100 million pounds!

Newcastle is not unfamiliar with Premier League agent operations, especially after witnessing Alexander Isak's forced 125 million pound transfer to Liverpool last summer, they maintain a清醒的认识.

When asked if Tonali wants to leave, manager Eddie Howe stated: "I don't think so, though of course many things happen that I'm unaware of. As far as I know, we have a very excellent player in our squad, who is not only skilled but also has great character. He is happy here, has good relationships with me and teammates, and appears very content himself. If Sandro (Tonali) were discontent, I would be surprised, but our best players always attract attention from other clubs—that's the reality."

Eddie Howe continued: "We hope to maintain team unity and keep progressing, and Sandro plays a significant role in that. Overall, I don't think there will be any issues, but I cannot control everything. We absolutely have no intention of losing Sandro. He is an integral part of our team. He is happy here and physically well. I've spoken with him, and he is fully focused on playing for us."

However, the real test for Tonali and Newcastle lies ahead. If the team exits the Champions League knockout stages, he likely will miss participation in this top European competition next season. Newcastle was绝平 1-1 by Barcelona at home in the first leg. With Newcastle ranking较低 in the Premier League, the possibility of missing European competition grows increasingly larger.

Due to financial rules, Newcastle may need to conduct a significant player sale this summer. They are unlikely to release Bruno Guimarães and Tonali in the same transfer window, but might sell one of them; in that case, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento are expected to remain with the team.