Man Utd urged to sign ‘brilliant’ £100m star ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea to replace Casemiro

Manchester United have been urged to consider swooping for Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target Sandro Tonali as a long-term replacement for Casemiro.

Tonali has been a stalwart of Newcastle’s midfield in recent seasons since joining from AC Milan, and was reportedly the subject of transfer interest from Arsenal on deadline day.

The Gunners were said to be scouring the market for an option to offer cover for the injured Mikel Merino, and considered Tonali, but no talks were held over a potential last-minute move.

Regardless, Arsenal’s interest in the Italian midfielder appears to be long-standing, with further reports suggesting they could revive their interest in the Newcastle star this summer.

Chelsea and Manchester City have also been credited with interest in the 25-year-old, who is under contract at St James’ Park until 2029, and is believed to be valued at around £100million.

But former United defender Danny Simpson has urged the Red Devils to join any potential bidding war for Tonali, particularly as they look to fill the void left by the departing Casemiro at the end of this season.

‘I think Tonali would work really well in that United midfield, Simpson told Metro via Meta Spins Casino. ‘I think he would complement Kobbie Mainoo really nicely, because he gets about the pitch so well.

‘Obviously, he’s been a top player for Newcastle. He’s good on the ball, he’s strong, he’s physical, he’d be a brilliant player in there in many regards. 

‘Also, he’s the type of player that I think could wear a Man Utd shirt. It’s not easy, that, and I feel like he could wear it with the pressure and deal with it.

‘He could definitely slot in there.’

Howe: 'Tonali is very happy at Newcastle'

Speaking on Tuesday, Eddie Howe insisted that Tonali was committed to Newcastle despite speculation surround his future.

‘There was no intention for our side to lose Sandro at all,’ the Magpies boss said. ‘He’s such an integral part of what we’re doing. He’s very happy here, he loves playing for Newcastle and loves representing the city.’

‘As far as I’m aware we’ve got a player that’s an outstanding footballer and an outstanding person. He’s very happy here and he’s got a great relationship with me, his teammates.’

After a quiet January transfer window, United will begin turning their attention to planning for the summer window.

And while a new permanent manager and central midfielder are likely top of their to-do list, United have plenty of other business to attend to, including the future of Harry Maguire, whose contract expires in the summer.

Maguire has been in sparkling form since Michael Carrick’s arrival, starting all three games in a new-look back four alongside Lisandro Martinez.

And while the United defender turns 33 next month, Simpson, who played alongside Maguire at Leicester City, believes it would be ‘silly’ to let a player of his experience leave Old Trafford.

‘I think it would be very silly to let him go,’ Simpson added. ‘We know what he’s been through, the way he’s come back and shown his resilience.

‘He’s had some big moments and big winners as well in recent times. We need him in the box, defending and attacking. I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t get a new deal.

‘I think he deserves a new deal for his performances. It’s not just on the pitch, I know what he’s like off the pitch. He’s a leader.

‘So for me it’d be silly to let Harry go. And I’m sure he wants to play every game, but when he’s not, he still supports the lads. He’ll be on the bench, and when he’s needed, he’ll come and perform. So hopefully they sort that contract out soon.’

United are back in action at the weekend, looking to make it four wins on the trot under Carrick at home to Thomas Frank’s Tottenham.

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