Arsenal have reportedly held talks with AC Milan over Sandro Tonali, with AC Milan likely to demand €50 million for the Italian international.
According to 90 min’s transfer rumour column, Arsenal have held talks with AC Milan for Sandro Tonali. It is not surprising that the Gunners are looking at a defensive-minded midfielder, considering they do not have much cover in the area for Thomas Partey.
Arsenal still have unfinished business in the summer transfer window, despite making several signings already. The north Londoners have brought in players for essential positions, particularly Gabriel Jesus as their new central striker and Oleksandr Zinchenko as a versatile option for defence and midfield.
Fabio Vieira also arrived as a new option in the midfield department, but Arsenal need a midfielder or two this summer. They have chased Youri Tielemans and Lucas Paqueta, among others, but these are more attack-minded options. The defensive midfield area will also have to be considered at some stage.
Mikel Arteta does not have a reliable cover for Thomas Partey in the position, and the club may have to think about bringing in a new signing at some stage. There have been whispers about interest in a few players, but most of those have joined other clubs. Arteta may want a more accomplished player in the position, so we see links to Sandro Tonali.
Tonali had an exceptional season with AC Milan, winning the Serie A. The Rossoneri have already lost Franck Kessie to Barcelona on a free transfer and have seen Ismael Bennacer get linked with a move away from San Siro, which makes it essential for them to keep hold of the Italian international.
While Tonali is not for sale, an offer in excess of €50 million could turn Milan’s head. The column suggests Arsenal have held talks with the Serie A champions to understand a possible move, although nothing further gets mentioned.
While a defensive midfielder may have to be brought in at some stage, the next few weeks will determine if the Gunners will make a move for the €50 million-rated Italian midfielder. For now, Arsenal are focused on other targets, such as a wide attacker, with Yeremy Pino heavily linked with a move to the Emirates.
Arsenal also mean to bring in a new midfielder, although they might ponder waiting until 2023 to sign top target Tielemans on a free transfer. There are many more things expected from Arsenal before the window shuts down, and there could be several movements in and out of the club. As for the Tonali reports, they must be treated as a rumour and with caution. It is very rare that top Italian players move out of their country, let alone to come to Arsenal.