Real Madrid look to leapfrog Arsenal in Tonali race amid scouting mission

Florentino Perez
Florentino Perez | Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

Real Madrid have big decisions to make during the summer transfer window. The club has drawn up a long list of potential targets as they look to revamp their squad following back to back disappointing seasons. The midfield has been a main area of focus, with a number of targets being linked with Los Blancos, and a new one has recently joined the list, and Real hope to swoop in and snatch him from the (potential) future Premier League champions.

As being reported by Mirror, Real Madrid had scouts present during Newcastle United's FA Cup tie against Manchester City to closely watch midfielder Sandro Tonali, as Los Blancos look to take the fight to Arsenal to sign the Italian midfielder this summer.

Tonali to the Bernabeu?

Despite signing a new contract that runs until 2030, the midfielder has been linked with a move away from St James' Park in recent months with teams like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Juventus as possible landing spots for the Italian, however it now seems that Real Madrid are stepping up their interest in Tonali, hoping to snatch him up before another team gets the opportunity.

Real Madrid have been searching for their perfect Toni Kroos replacement ever since his retirement following the 23/24 season, and Tonali is the latest midfielder to join the list of potential candidates. His wide passing range, tempo controlling ability, and composure under pressure makes him a solid option for Los Blancos to add to the incredible midfield quality already at the club.

Tonali's move to Newcastle from AC Milan in the summer of 2023 for a reported €60 million caught fans by surprise, as many thought it was a downgrade from the Italian giants at that point in his career, as Newcastle were just starting to find their footing under their new Saudi ownership. However, Tonali has enjoyed a solid spell with the Premier League side. He's been one of the most consistent performers in the team since his arrival and was a crucial part of his team's Carabao Cup triumph last season.

This season has been a difficult one for the Magpies, struggling to find any kind of consistent form in the Premier League, however they are thriving in the Champions League, with a clash against Real Madrid's arch rival Barcelona on the horizon in the round of 16. As a result of the inconsistency, many believe the Italian, who has been consistent himself, could assess his options in the summer and move to a team where the prospect of winning trophies is on the table every season. Newcastle would easily demand a fee of over €100 million , but if Real Madrid want to lock down their midfield for the next decade or more, that fee could be just pocket change for the success Tonali's signing could bring.

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