Arsenal

Arsenal: Sandro Tonali would be a “statement signing”

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Image for Arsenal: Sandro Tonali would be a “statement signing”

Arsenal would be making a “statement signing” if they could lure AC Milan and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali to the Emirates Stadium this summer, with a move for Leicester City and Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans going “a bit cold.”

That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the Gunners’ remaining transfer business, heading into the final few weeks of the transfer window.

According to TvPlay (via the Mirror) Mikel Arteta’s club have been in talks with the Serie A side about a potential move for Tonali this summer, with the Italian giants telling Arsenal they will not consider a sale, unless they stump up a fee of £46.4m.

In terms of Tielemans, multiple reports have suggested that the Gunners have not followed up their interest in the 25-year-old midfielder, and a move is now unlikely.

And O’Rourke believes that whilst a move for the Belgian seems to be becoming less likely, a move for Tonali would really send a statement out to the rest of the Premier League.

“It looks like the Tielemans deal has gone a bit cold.

“Whether Arsenal will make a late move we’ll have to wait and see but Tonali, if they could lure him from AC Milan, it would be a real statement signing.”

TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments

We agree with O’Rourke and believe that the signing of Tonali would certainly be a statement signing, and we believe that £46.4m is a reasonable amount of money to pay for the 11-time Italy international.

The 22-year-old, who has been described as a “warrior” by Sacha Pisani, is not just a one-dimensional defensive midfielder, with the Italian ranking in the top 13% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for non-penalty goals per 90 minutes (0.15) over the last 365 days, according to FBref.

Therefore, we think that Tonali would be a fantastic addition for Arteta’s side this summer, and would be a more than adequate alternative to Tielemans.

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