Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal in talks to sign £80m star ahead of Tonali

Can Arsenal pull off one other Eberechi Eze-style hijacking this summer season? Fairly potential.

Again within the winter, it was revealed that the Gunners had been excited about Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, and though a transfer didn’t happen on the time, they continue to be within the Italian.

Arsenal have reportedly been in talks over a transfer for “a number of weeks”, however have but to formally declare an curiosity in Thun.

There are additionally Spurs on the similar desk. Tonali is their primary goal and so they have agreed private phrases with the participant. If Andrea Berta and others do not make it by way of the race, an enormous sum of money might be at stake.

If he doesn’t transfer to the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal have quite a few alternate options in thoughts.

Arsenal intention to signal key midfield gamers this summer season

Value £85 million, Tonali’s transfer can be a giant funding this summer season, however the best way the market is, the confirmed Premier League midfielder will not come low cost.

Three years in the past, Declan Rice moved to north London for a whopping £105 million. Moises Caicedo then moved on for £115 million. this 12 months. Elliott Anderson seems to be set to affix Manchester Metropolis for a payment of over £120m.

So in order for you a midfielder with expertise in English soccer, that may be the benchmark. This explains why Tonali is rated so extremely, and why Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is equally rated when it comes to worth.

The identical may be mentioned for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, who’s presently on the radar of Arsenal. Fabrizio Romano, who’s valued at £80 million amid speak of ongoing contract negotiations, has revealed an replace on the participant’s future by way of his YouTube channel.

Romano mentioned: “He’s nonetheless on Arsenal’s shortlist. He is among the gamers they fee extremely. We’re additionally in talks with the participant’s agent and Bournemouth to know whether or not there’s a chance of a transfer.”

“Bournemouth have supplied the participant a brand new contract. Bournemouth are eager for the participant to stay with a launch clause, however Arsenal are contemplating a transfer for the participant.”

Why Scott is a greater signing than Tonali

Arsenal will signal a participant described by Tonali’s agent Beppe Riso as “among the finest midfielders on the planet”.

For Newcastle, he has confirmed himself to be an elite expertise, a world-class quantity six who can’t solely dictate play but additionally drive play ahead.

However he does not supply the spherical bundle that Scott does. Which means the Guernsey-born midfielder is a extra full participant and a greater match for what Arsenal are searching for this summer season.

He has lengthy been extremely regarded since his breakthrough at Bristol Metropolis. He progressed effectively on the Cherries, nevertheless it wasn’t till 2025/26 that he actually burst onto the scene with a string of extremely spectacular performances.

Arsenal noticed the harm Scott can do within the title recreation on the Emirates when he ran onto the ball and fired a devastating end previous David Raya to attain the fateful objective.

Scott, simply 22, solely offered one help and scored 4 objectives final season, however his affect went far past what he confirmed within the remaining third. In truth, he outperformed Tonali final season in lots of metrics related to being a top-level midfielder.

Shortly earlier than being chosen for England’s World Cup squad, Scott was not shortlisted, nevertheless it was no marvel why he was included within the dialog.

If Tonali is among the finest midfielders within the league, then Scott is unquestionably up there too. For Bournemouth, he was all over the place. He’s a greater and simpler ball provider and dribbler than the Italian, whereas having the ability to deal with extra defensive duties.

That is not simply because Andoni Iraola’s facet had been in all probability higher defensive, however as a result of the Scot usually likes to duel. He additionally has considerably increased press resistance and attracts extra fouls.

Capable of play as a deeper midfielder or extra ahead as a quantity eight, the Bournemouth man would add lots of component to Arsenal’s midfield.

Like Martin Zvimendi, he’s sharp in possession. Like Rice, he collects the ball very effectively and, like Miles Lewis-Skelly, carries it ahead with loads of objective.

£80m appears like so much, however the 22-year-old has the potential to change into an everyday for England and Arsenal.