- Manchester City are interested in Tonali
- He has been linked to several top clubs
- City may now be set to miss out
Manchester City’s interest in Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali may have hit a major roadblock, with the Italian midfielder reportedly preferring a return to Serie A over a Premier League switch.
Tonali has become one of the most consistent performers in the league since his £60 million arrival on Tyneside in 2023.
The 25-year-old has since made more than 100 appearances for the Magpies, developing into a key member of Eddie Howe’s squad.
Man City have retained a long-term interest in the Italian, but with Tonali reportedly wishing to return home to Serie A, it seems Pep Guardiola’s side may be set to miss out.
Manchester City dealt Sandro Tonali transfer blow
With Tonali’s agent openly discussing an exit earlier this season, a January move to Arsenal looked likely at one stage.
Talk of a move away from St. James’ Park has only increased since then, with City continuing to monitor the midfielder’s situation.
🚨 Sandro Tonali 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘
— TEAMtalk (@TEAMtalk) April 24, 2026
Newcastle star makes clear clear preference to return to Italy this summer – leaving top suitors Man City forced to look elsewhere.
City's next move will impact Man Utd@GraemeBailey | #NUFC #MCFC #MUFChttps://t.co/4KqDCL9vAw
Guardiola is a major admirer of Tonali, and had identified the 32-cap international as a key target for the upcoming summer window.
However, Team Talk is now reporting that Tonali’s primary desire is to return to his native Italy and rejoin a club in Serie A.
Manchester City considerong other options after Tonali latest
With Tonali seemingly set to return home rather than move to another Premier League side, City have been forced to prioritise other targets.
Chief among those is Elliot Anderson. The Nottingham Forest midfielder is another player the Carabao Cup winners have long admired.
City are reportedly set to beat Manchester United and Arsenal to Anderson, who has been identified as a long-term successor for Rodri.
Manchester City are in pole position to sign Elliot Anderson this summer, Sky Sports News understands.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 23, 2026
Anderson is focused on the rest of the season with Nottingham Forest and helping them stay in the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/Rr0ykveQyp
The Ballon d’Or winner is yet to sign a new contract, with one year remaining. Although City are hopeful of keeping him, interest from Real Madrid means they must plan for his departure.
Elsewhere, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is another name thought to be under consideration. Talks over a new contract for the Argentine international have stalled, suggesting he may be looking for a move.
City’s midfield rebuild will be crucial
Whoever City bring in to reinforce their midfield, getting the right personnel through the door is incredibly important for the club’s ongoing success.
Whether he leaves this summer or not, Rodri will not be around forever, and the club must prepare for his eventual departure.
Plus, Bernardo Silva’s now-confirmed exit means there will be a complete overhaul of Pep Guardiola’s midfield options ahead of next season.
Anderson looks set to be the first new arrival at the Etihad, but who joins him in the engine room at City next season is still to be decided.
