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A Regista Or Mezzala? Why Arsenal and Juventus Are Interested in Newcastle’s Tonali

IMAGE CREDIT: NEWCASTLE UNITED

Tonali could leave Newcastle next summer with top clubs like Arsenal and Juventus vying for his signature. 

Tonali has been a standout performer this season, and his price tag is reflecting that as Newcastle is reportedly looking for around €90-100 million for him.

Despite the speculation, Tonali’s focus remains on Newcastle, and manager Eddie Howe has stressed that he’s a key part of their project.

However, insiders suggest that Tonali and his family would ideally like to return to Italy at some stage, making Juventus a potential destination.

Juventus has been tracking Tonali since his move to Newcastle and considers him a great fit stylistically and culturally. They’re willing to push for him, but their budget of €50-60 million is a challenge compared to Newcastle’s asking price.

Arsenal, on the other hand, has already made contact with Newcastle about Tonali, and they’re not the only Premier League club interested. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also in the mix, and they could offer higher wages than Juventus.

Tonali: The Italian Gem

Tonali arrived in the Premier League with immense promise, and it is easy to see why. He represents what many consider a dying breed of footballers — a complete, intelligent midfielder capable of interpreting the game in multiple ways. His adaptability across various midfield roles explains why Europe’s elite clubs continue to monitor his progress closely.

Often touted as the heir to the regista role — so elegantly defined by Andrea Pirlo and later sustained by players such as Toni Kroos — Tonali brings composure, vision, and technical excellence to the base of midfield. However, he is not a player who be put in a box. His tactical intelligence allows him to operate in other roles, such as a Mezzala, offering dynamism and balance in advanced midfield positions. For reference, think of players like Claudio Marchisio or Luka Modrić.

It is therefore no surprise that clubs such as Arsenal and Juventus have shown interest. Beyond his brief off-field issue, which resulted in a ban for betting-related activities, Tonali has proven to be a disciplined and physically reliable player. Since 2020, he has missed fewer than ten matches due to injury or rest, and he is not known for regularly accumulating suspensions through excessive bookings.

Tonali’s love for Italian football and his history with AC Milan could give Juventus an edge, but it’s a tough ask to compete with the financial power of English clubs. AC Milan are also in the mix, making the race to sign Tonali an interesting one.

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