According to a report by TEAMtalk, Real Madrid will have the opportunity to sign Sandro Tonali in the summer transfer window. The Newcastle United midfielder’s entourage has contacted Los Blancos to discuss a possible deal ahead of the 2026/27 season. However, the Spanish giants face stiff competition from Arsenal and Manchester City for the 25-year-old midfielder’s signature.
Sandro Tonali has made significant progress since joining Newcastle United from AC Milan in a deal worth £55 million in July 2023, despite missing several months due to a betting ban. The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Tyneside outfit, becoming a pivotal figure under Eddie Howe.
Tonali has been exceptional in the 2025/26 season, chipping in with three goals and seven assists in 47 appearances thus far. However, the Italian midfielder’s future is uncertain, as widespread reports have suggested that his entourage is ready to engineer a summer exit. Arsenal and Manchester City are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Additionally, Real Madrid will have the chance to sign the former AC Milan midfielder, as his representatives have contacted Los Blancos for a summer move. The Spanish giants should respond favourably to the approach, as Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have left a gaping hole in the middle of the park since their departures in successive summers. With Tonali having a similar style to the two Real Madrid legends, he is an option worth considering.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s interest in Sandro Tonali is somewhat baffling, as Mikel Arteta has a stacked midfield unit in his squad. However, Christian Norgaard is on the wrong side of 30, and Arsenal should look for a younger midfielder who can allow Arteta to efficiently rotate a trio consisting of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. Additionally, Tonali’s creativity from open play and set-pieces adds to his appeal.
As for Manchester City, they may dip into the market for a holding midfielder this summer, as Rodri has not been the same since returning from a long-term knee injury. Additionally, Nico Gonzalez has remained a peripheral figure under Pep Guardiola despite being a consistent performer in the last 15 months.
Meanwhile, the report has suggested that Tonali’s agents and intermediaries “have been sounding out a host of elite clubs across Europe to assess potential landing spots” ahead of the 2026/27 season.
So, a summer departure may be on the cards for the 25-year-old Italian international. However, the list of prospective suitors may whittle down to a handful, as Newcastle United will likely demand a premium to sell the player, with recent reports suggesting a price tag of £80-100 million.
