Man Utd plan transfer for unsettled Arsenal target as Casemiro replacement

Man Utd have added a Premier League rival’s unsettled star to their shortlist of experienced midfielders.

Sandro Tonali is reportedly pushing for an exit from Newcastle United this summer, according to TeamTalk.

Man Utd, who have been in the market for athletic, Premier League-proven midfielders for the last few transfer windows, are looking to capitalise on the player’s desire to leave St. James’ Park.

Newcastle is set to demand €100m for the Italian, per Fichajes, but Man Utd will try to seal a deal for less as the club wants to bring in two experienced midfielders this summer. Arsenal are also linked to the player after rumours surfaced in late January over a winter transfer, which did not get done.

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson are also major midfield targets for the Red Devils.

Casemiro is set to leave upon his contract’s expiry at the end of the season, adding more importance for Man Utd to boost its midfield ranks.

Man Utd believe Tonali will solve defensive midfield issues

Casemiro has been inconsistent ever since joining Man Utd for €70.7m in 2022, but he has reemerged this season as the club’s best option in holding midfield.

His form has kept Manuel Ugarte, signed for €50m at age 23 in 2024, on the bench, with the Uruguayan having played 753 Premier League minutes across 18 appearances with only seven starts.

While Tonali would not come close to Casemiro’s pedigree when he joined Man Utd — the Brazilian won five Champions League titles at Real Madrid before the transfer — the Italian has played 70 matches in the Premier League since signing for Newcastle in 2023. He was suspended for most of the 2023/24 season due to a betting offence.

Tonali is comfortable with the ball at his feet and effective at distributing the ball to his attackers. He takes risks as a deep-lying playmaker, but he is also strong in duels and ball recoveries, and he wins more fouls than he commits.

The 25-year-old would pair well with a more box-to-box midfielder like Kobbie Mainoo or Mason Mount, and his Premier League experience means he will likely take less time to adjust than Casemiro and Ugarte did.

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