EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal want to sign Sandro Tonali this summer

Arsenal are set to pursue a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer, FootballTransfers has been told.

The Italy international was linked with a late move to the Emirates Stadium on Transfer Deadline Day, but advanced talks failed to materialise as Newcastle simply had no intention of selling the 25-year-old during the mid-season window.

However, we have now been informed that Tonali himself told his agent, Giuseppe Riso, to contact Arsenal, which prompted Mikel Arteta’s side to explore a potential transfer following news that Mikel Merino will be sidelined for several months with a serious foot injury.

Chelsea and Manchester City have also been linked with a move for the midfielder in recent days, but we understand that Arsenal is Tonali’s preferred destination.

Furthermore, the Gunners are keen to bring him to north London and sources have revealed that Arsenal are very likely to pursue a deal this summer.

Arsenal bolstered their midfield roster with the additions of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Eberechi Eze last summer, but they remain eager to improve the squad at Arteta’s disposal and Tonali has been earmarked as a possible target by the Gunners hierarchy.

The Italy star, 25, has made 36 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle so far this season, providing five assists, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €59 million.

Kai Havertz contract talks

Meanwhile, FootballTransfers also understands that negotiations are ongoing over a new contract for Kai Havertz.

The Germany international’s current deal is due to expire in 2028 and sources have indicated that talks over a one-year extension are moving in a positive direction.

Havertz has only played six times for Arsenal so far this season due to a knee injury, however he helped book their place in the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday evening by scoring a late goal against his former club Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber is also in talks over a new Arsenal contract as the club look to reward their highest-performing players.