Sandro Tonali could be at the center of a major Premier League transfer battle, with his agent hinting that both Arsenal and Manchester City could make moves for the Newcastle United midfielder after the World Cup.
Talking football and financeGiuseppe Risso revealed that the long-term plan has always been to push Sandro Tonali into the elite level of football.
"It's true, the aim from the moment he went to England was to make him a great footballer. I think he is one of the highest-rated Italian footballers in the world."
Arsenal and Manchester City circle as Tonali's value rises
Tonali's performances at Newcastle have already placed him among the Premier League's most valuable midfielders.
Teatransfermarkt currently values Tonali at €80mDue to which he became one of the most expensive midfielders of the Premier League. Declan Rice tops the chart with €120m.
Reports in England have already linked Arsenal with a possible move for the Italy international. Riso then responded to those rumors, He insisted that there have been no talks with the Gunners yet.
Now he has been asked about Manchester City also being in the mix. According to Risso, a strong World Cup could sharply increase the interest of both Arsenal and Manchester City.
"I don't know, but it's very likely," he admitted.
"Everyone is waiting for the World Cup, then thousands of situations arise, but it all starts after the World Cup."
World Cup set to light up the transfer market
Risso expects a turbulent market, with major Italian clubs preparing for significant reconstruction and negotiations behind the scenes already taking shape.
"It will be a very intense season, as many teams will have to renew themselves," he said.
"In a World Cup year, the markets really start taking off when the tournament ends. Obviously, a lot of the conversations start setting them up right now."
Will Newcastle cash in on Tonali?
The growing interest has left Newcastle in a delicate position, balancing between Tonali's rising market value and their ambitions to remain competitive at the top of the Premier League.
Tonali remains a central figure under Eddie Howe, and Newcastle United are naturally reluctant to consider any sale.
His current deal also runs until 2029, so there's no pressing need on that front. That deal also includes the option of a further year, which would further strengthen the Magpies' hand.
This doesn't mean Tonali won't leave, but it does put Newcastle in a much stronger position financially if the midfielder were to move on. Reports indicate that this is the case, and now his agent has further opened the door to the idea.
