Manchester City are prepared to meet Newcastle’s valuation of Sandro Tonali, with the club ready to spend in the region of £100m to land the Italy international.
Newcastle have settled on a fee of around £100m including add-ons, a figure City’s hierarchy now have to work with as the window progresses. Sources say that price has not put City off, with the club believing the situation around Tonali could still present an opportunity.
The pursuit is separate from City’s club-record move for Elliot Anderson. City’s interest in Tonali stands apart from the Anderson deal, and sources stress that landing the England international would not end their interest in the Newcastle midfielder.
New head coach Enzo Maresca is reported to be personally driving the Tonali pursuit as he looks to build his new midfield at the Etihad.
City aren’t alone in the race. Tottenham have already agreed wage terms with Tonali worth £275,000 a week and saw an £80m bid rejected, while Arsenal have also been credited with interest.
Spurs may feel they’re best placed given the personal terms in place, but City are said to be increasingly confident they would be Tonali’s destination of choice should he stay in the Premier League this summer.
There’s a complication, asa ever. Tonali’s stated preference has long been a return to Italy with AC Milan, a position communicated to City and other suitors earlier in the window, which cooled the interest of some.
Whether that holds if Milan can’t match Newcastle’s price remains to be seen.
Worth watching closely — City rarely show their hand this early without an intent to act.
