Manchester United have identified Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali as their primary midfield target, setting up a potential Premier League bidding war with Arsenal and Manchester City.

According to The Telegraph, the Red Devils view the Italian international as the perfect successor to Casemiro, who is expected to depart Old Trafford at the end of the season. However, securing Tonali’s signature won’t come cheap or easy.

Why Tonali Is in High Demand

Since his £55 million move from AC Milan in summer 2023, Tonali has developed into one of the Premier League’s elite midfielders. The 25-year-old has been instrumental for Newcastle, featuring in 37 matches this season and contributing five goals across over 2,700 minutes of action.

What makes Tonali so versatile is his ability to excel in both defensive and box-to-box roles. Eddie Howe considers him indispensable, with the midfielder rarely missing from the Magpies’ starting XI.

Three-Way Battle Brewing

Recent comments from Tonali’s agent suggesting the player is “considering his future” have put Europe’s top clubs on red alert. While United have alternatives in Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, Tonali remains their number one choice.

Arsenal rekindled their interest during the January window, whilst Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are also monitoring the situation closely.

The Price Tag Challenge

Newcastle won’t let their prized asset leave without a fight. Given recent mega-money midfield transfers like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice, the Magpies are demanding in excess of £100 million—nearly double what they paid.