Arsenal have reportedly turned down another opportunity to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, despite continued interest in the Italy international and growing competition from Manchester United and Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta remains determined to strengthen his midfield after guiding Arsenal to the Premier League title last season.
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Tonali has long been admired by the club, having first been offered to the Gunners during the January transfer window.
While Arsenal maintained their interest, a deal never progressed due to Newcastle’s high valuation and the player’s significant wage demands.
Manchester United and Tottenham have since intensified their pursuit, with Spurs already seeing a £75 million bid rejected.
United are also monitoring the situation closely as Michael Carrick looks to add another midfielder following Casemiro’s departure.
Gunners reject fresh opportunity to sign Italian midfielder despite interest from Man United and Tottenham
According to reports, Tonali’s representatives recently presented Arsenal with another chance to complete a deal, but the north London club once again declined to proceed.
The player’s reported weekly salary demands of around £275,000, along with substantial agent fees, are understood to have discouraged Arsenal from moving forward.
Instead, Arteta is expected to prioritise a move for Tonali’s Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimaraes, who has emerged as Arsenal’s preferred midfield target.
Although Newcastle have denied receiving formal contact, discussions are expected to begin in the coming weeks, reports Metro.
Former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas believes Arsenal are missing out on one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders.
He described Tonali as a player who dictates the tempo of matches and suggested he would represent an upgrade on Martín Zubimendi, forming an outstanding partnership alongside Declan Rice if a move to the Emirates ever materialised.
