Manchester United are set to make a whole host of changes in the midfield department this summer, and the Reds now find themselves battling for one of the Premier League’s best midfield talents.
Manchester United’s midfield has been an area of the pitch that has been in need of a revamp for a while now, and with the recent announcement of Casemiro’s departure in the coming summer window, the need for reinforcements has only grown.
With United’s board identifying the attack as the most important area for improvement following the disaster of last season, this was reflected in the club’s summer window, bringing in a new forward line to help fire United up the table.
However, it has been said that a midfield revamp will be the next plan of action, with plans for an overhaul set for the 2026 summer window.
Having been linked with many big names over the past few months, it appears a potential new target may have come to fruition as United face a potential battle for the player’s signature.
Man Utd linked with shock Sandro Tonali move
News began to break on social media yesterday regarding a potential move away from Tyneside for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, with United reportedly being interested in signing the Italian should the opportunity arise in the summer.
These reports follow a major story that broke on the final day of the January transfer window, as a potential shock move to Arsenal seemingly appeared to be on the cards following an injury the Gunners suffered with Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino being ruled out with a broken foot.
Despite the move failing to pick up real traction, the player’s agent has recently spoken to Italian media regarding his client’s situation, describing his future as uncertain.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, he said, “Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League. We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer,” Giuseppe Riso said.
“These transfer discussions will take place later. We’ll see how the season ends, and then we’ll decide what to do. There’s no preference at the moment. 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 is very attached to the club.”
United’s competition for Tonali’s signature
It goes without saying that this is a deal that will not be straightforward to complete for United, with Arsenal already having shown interest by making a late move for Tonali this January. North London currently appears to be a very appealing destination for Tonali.
As well as this, Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola has also recently praised the midfielder prior to City’s second leg tie against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup last week, with the Spaniard seen to be speaking with Tonali on the pitch after full-time.
Newcastle are said to value Tonali in the region of £100m, with the Geordies likely wanting another major figure for the Italian’s signature following the lucrative transfer of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer for £120m.
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Despite the potential rival interest and major price tag, it would be naive to rule out United in the race for the midfielder, with major funds to be allocated to the midfield in the coming summer budget, as well as potentially being able to offer a new exciting project under a new manager with the potential of Champions League football.
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