Manchester United Urged to Beat Arsenal to £100m Sandro Tonali Transfer

Manchester United face Arsenal competition as Sandro Tonali transfer plans intensify ahead of a potential £100m summer deal.

Manchester United must move decisively in the summer transfer window to beat Arsenal to Sandro Tonali signing, as Newcastle United reportedly set an asking price of around £100 million.

Former United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen identifies the Italian midfielder as an ideal fit for Old Trafford, highlighting his ability to transform the balance and control of United’s midfield.

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Tonali has been one of Newcastle’s standout performers this season, producing a series of dominant midfield displays that have underlined his importance to Eddie Howe’s side. His recent FA Cup performance, which included two goals and an emotional celebration towards his manager, only intensified speculation surrounding his future after January links to Arsenal.

Speaking to BetGoat, Meulensteen said Tonali had the intelligence, composure, and technical quality required to control games at the highest level.

“Sandro Tonali is a good player and he’s done really well for Newcastle. The rumours I heard were that he possibly wanted to go back to Italy, but he’s definitely a good player who understands how to play that role in midfield and he’s a good passer of the ball,” he said.

“Manchester United definitely need to look into that position. They need a player who can control games, move the ball properly, and give the team structure in midfield.”

United’s midfield needs clarity

Meulensteen also pointed to the wider rebuild taking place at United, suggesting the club must strengthen the engine room if they are to compete consistently at the top level again.

While he mentioned Joelinton as another possible option, his main focus remained on the type of midfielder United lack — a player who can control tempo, win duels, and dictate games from deep areas.

At the same time, he warned against blocking the development of Kobbie Mainoo, who has emerged as one of United’s most important young players this season.

“You wouldn’t want to bring too many in because you don’t want Kobbie Mainoo back on the bench,” Meulensteen said. “He’s proven himself and he deserves to keep playing and improving.”

Tonali holds a Newcastle contract until 2028, which gives the club a strong negotiating position. His agent stated that no one has made decisions about his future and stressed that both player and club remain focused on current objectives.

Newcastle value Tonali at close to £100 million, a figure that reflects his importance to the team and his growing reputation in the Premier League.

Arsenal interest adds pressure

Arsenal showed interest in Tonali during January, when midfield cover became a priority. Although Newcastle shut down any possibility of a winter move, the Gunners could return in the summer, creating direct competition with United.

That potential rivalry is exactly why Meulensteen believes United must act early and decisively if they are serious about rebuilding their midfield properly.

With United continuing their long-term rebuild and Arsenal pushing at the top of the table, Tonali is emerging as one of the most valuable midfield targets in English football. The summer window may still be months away, but the race for his signature is already taking shape — and the pressure is building for United to move first.

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