Real Madrid are reportedly ready to test Newcastle United’s resolve with a significant opening offer for Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali.
According to reports out of Italy, the Spanish giants are preparing an initial bid exceeding €75 million (£65m) to bring the 25-year-old to the Bernabéu this summer.
As Los Blancos look to refresh their midfield options, Tonali has emerged as a primary target. The Newcastle man is viewed by the Madrid hierarchy as a “complete” player, possessing the rare blend of physical intensity and elite playmaking ability required to succeed in La Liga.
Newcastle’s Stance: Will the Magpies Sell?
While a €75m offer is a substantial sum, it is widely believed that Newcastle United will scoff at the initial valuation. Since his arrival from AC Milan, Tonali has become a cornerstone of the side, with Eddie Howe confirming interest from Arsenal in January. Fans tracking the latest Newcastle transfer news will know that the club is under no immediate pressure to sell their best assets.
Sources suggest that it would likely take a figure closer to £100 million for the Magpies to even consider greenlighting a departure. Real Madrid are aware of this gap in valuation but intend to use the opening bid as a “strong signal” of their intent before entering formal negotiations.
Competition from Manchester United and Arsenal
Real Madrid aren’t the only heavyweights monitoring the situation. Fabrizio Romano confirmed Arsenal have been linked with Tonali in recent months. Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the Italian. However, the allure of the Bernabéu often proves difficult for players to turn down, and reports suggest Tonali is open to the prospect of a move to the Spanish capital.
Adding more fuel to the fire, Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, recently hinted that a decision on the player’s future will be made at the end of the current campaign. “We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer,” Riso stated, refusing to rule out a high-profile exit.
A Massive Summer Ahead for the Bernabéu
With Romano confirming that Real Madrid will prioritize a central midfielder and a centre-back in the upcoming window, the chase for Tonali is expected to be one of the biggest sagas of the summer.
