Newcastle will sign the Italian player for €70 million. According to reports, Newcastle United and Sandro Tonali of AC Milan are close to signing a contract. The Magpies are completing a deal for over €70 million to bring the 23-year-old sensation to St. James’ Park, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. Manager Eddie Howe is thought to be most interested in Tonali.
To sign Tonali, Newcastle first made a $50 million offer. But as a result of progress in the negotiations, an agreement for €70 million is almost ready to be achieved. Chelsea was also interested in the Italian midfielder, but the Magpies quickly closed the deal. The €70 million transfer cost might be equal to the club-record sum they paid to Real Sociedad for striker Alexander Isak last season.
Under manager Stefano Pioli, Tonali was impressive as AC Milan finished the previous season in the top four and advanced to the UEFA Champions League semifinals. In 48 games across various competitions, the midfielder recorded two goals and 10 assists.
The Italian, who moved from Brescia on loan before making the move permanent in 2020, has had a variety of responsibilities under Pioli. He contributed significantly to the Rossoneri winning Serie A in 2021–22, scoring five goals and dishing out three assists in 35 league appearances.
According to the report, Newcastle is also looking for a wide forward, center-back, and full-back. The team is thinking about bringing in another midfielder in addition to Tonali, with James Maddison of Leicester City being prioritized.
The sporting director at Newcastle could be crucial to the recruitment of a defender:
Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth may motivate the club’s interest in Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella.
Journalist Dean Jones suggested that Ashworth, who played alongside the Spaniard at Brighton & Hove Albion, may be responsible for the Magpies’ interest in the player’s statement to GiveMeSport.
Jones said: “Dan Ashworth’s influence might be a factor, although many other people offer advice on hiring decisions before it reaches him.”
Cucurella struggled in his first year at Chelsea. Last summer, the Spaniard moved in a transfer worth over £60 million, but he struggled to maintain a steady level of play. In 33 games across various competitions, he provided two assists.
According to The Daily Mirror, Eddie Howe’s team might try to recruit Cucurella for about half that sum.
The 24-year-old will now be hoping that Mauricio Pochettino, his new manager, will bring him a change of fortune. He might go, though, since it is anticipated that Ben Chilwell will be his first option for left-back.
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