The interest from Arsenal and local rivals Manchester City will not force Manchester United to spend a fortune on Sandro Tonali, a report said. United are convinced that they do not have to break the bank to rope in the Newcastle United midfielder, noted football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano said.
"If the price is right, he is a serious option [for Manchester United], but they will not overspend. The interest from both United and City in Tonali and [Elliot] Anderson is real, but still at an early stage... both Manchester clubs admire the same two players, but there is still a long way to go before bids or agreements happen," Fabrizio Romano reportedly said on his YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, Uruguayan media is claiming that Manuel Ugarte could be part of the deal for Tonali. The 24-year-old South American was not let go by United during the winter window and could now hold the key to sealing a financially viable deal for Tonali. Quoting reports from Ugarte's homeland, TEAMtalk said that Newcastle United will be offered the CDM as part of the package by United, and Eddie Howe stands a realistic chance of accepting it. After two thoroughly disappointing seasons at Old Trafford, Ugarte too requires a fresh start. NUFC were reportedly among the teams interested in Ugarte in January, the report added.
Newcastle want Tonali to stay and may ask for no less than an £80 million to £100 million fee (up to €115 million) for the midfielder. An earlier report had claimed that the Magpies had promised Tonali he would be allowed to leave this summer if the team failed to secure a Champions League spot. This could well be the reason why the Italian is not openly rebelling to secure a move.
With Casemiro leaving, the 25-year-old could be the perfect replacement in the heart of the Old Trafford midfield. The profile fits the club's needs perfectly, and it has already been confirmed that United are looking to bring in at least two new signings to further strengthen their midfield ahead of next season.