At a Glance:
- Manchester City linked to Arsenal target Sandro Tonali.
- How City’s Enzo Fernandez interest relates to Tonali.
- Pep Guardiola has spoken to the Newcastle United midfielder.
The extent to which Manchester City wish to sign Arsenal target Sandro Tonali in the summer has come to the fore.
Tonali could cost over £100 million as to Newcastle United, the combative midfielder plays such a pivotal role in their system.
With Martin Zubimendi struggling for form and Christian Norgaard playing 53 minutes of Premier League football this season, Mikel Arteta could certainly do with the addition of another number six.
The Newcastle technician can operate as a number six and a number eight, and has done so adeptly at St. James’ Park.
Man City interested in Arsenal target Sandro Tonali
Fabrizio Romano addressed Enzo Fernandez’s links to Manchester City and gave an insight into the club’s interest in Tonali.
Tonali is keen on joining Manchester United but Arsenal were always keeping tabs on his situation.
Zubimendi’s athleticism has been pinpointed and as for Rice, he can slated for not being progressive enough on the ball. Tonali could elevate this Arsenal side but Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Manchester City are interested in him too.
While City internally discussed Enzo, the Italian and Elliot Anderson are their top targets in the summer.
Romano said: “On Manchester City, what I’m hearing guys is that Manchester City have some different top targets. Elliot Anderson and also Sandro Tonali is really appreciated. Enzo Fernandez is also one of the players they have discussed internally. What happened in March is when the Enzo Fernandez situation exploded, Manchester City took some information to understand what’s going on with Enzo, could he be an option, what kind of conditions but that’s it at the moment.
“Just taking information on a potential opportunity, not starting a proper negotiation, Manchester City are not negotiating with Chelsea, Manchester City are not negotiating with Enzo’s agents.”
Pep Guardiola spoke to Sandro Tonali recently
However, it seems like Arsenal need not worry in their pursuit of Tonali as such, with Sky Sports reporting that Manchester City are in “pole position” to sign Anderson.
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
If the North Londoners beat City to the Premier League title, the former AC Milan dynamo may well prioritise a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Furthermore, with plenty of months left until the summer transfer window opens, Arsenal could have plenty of midfielders who they could snap up in the market.
It is key to note that Pep Guardiola admitted he has met Tonali several times after speaking to him when Manchester City faced Newcastle in Feb.
🗣️ Pep Guardiola on Sandro Tonali exchange: "My Italian is perfect, so that’s why I can communicate with him. We have a friend in common in Brescia. Every time we are connected all three, through him.
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) February 4, 2026
"I know his father a long time ago. All the time we met we talk about AC… https://t.co/i5zordGjdK
Guardiola said via journalist Craig Hope: “My Italian is perfect, so that’s why I can communicate with him.”
We have a friend in common in Brescia. Every time we are connected all three, through him. I know his father a long time ago. All the time we met, we talk about AC Milan, the supporters and how happy he is here in Newcastle. He’s a really top, top player. A top player.”
