Fresh off a third-place finish, Michael Carrick’s revitalized Reds face a high-stakes bidding war against champions Arsenal for Newcastle’s Italian maestro to bolster their £150m summer overhaul.
The board has initiated talks with several players to overhaul the squad, making it fit for European football once again, after the Reds managed to cruise towards a third-place finish this season.
Despite an underwhelming start under former manager Rúben Amorim, Manchester United improved on an unimpressive run of form, with newly announced permanent manager Michael Carrick getting the best out of stars like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
The Reds have designated upwards of £150 million to spend this summer, as Christopher Vivell and the recruitment team are set to bolster the club's squad depth with a plethora of new signings.
One man who has caught their eye is set to be hunted by Premier League elites, with champions Arsenal looking to hijack a potential deal.
Arteta wants Tonali
In the wake of the London side's first Premier League win since the 'invincibles' in 2004, Arsenal, similarly to United, is set for a summer of heavy investment.
Arsenal have already stated they are in for a world-class attacker, according to TeamTalk, who have also reported that the board has given Mikel Arteta a 'war chest' to utilize this summer.
Sandro Tonali is an obvious target for many top clubs. His time at Newcastle, though initiated with a seven-month ban for gambling infringements, has been an overwhelming success; the Magpies have experienced their best period since Kevin Keegan was in charge.
The Reds have also expressed interest in the Italian, who is viewed by some fans as the perfect alternative to Elliot Anderson, who looks set for Manchester City. Though Tonali would put a serious dent in the budget, other options are being explored, such as Ederson from Atalanta, who is valued at £45 million.
TeamTalk has also reported that Arsenal are ready to 'hijack' a potential move for the midfielder, who is yet to express which club he favours this transfer window.
Would Tonali complement Mainoo?
It's no secret that the future of United lies at Mainoo's feet. The academy star has revitalised his career this season, as he wasn't given the football he deserved under Amorim, and almost moved away on loan last January.
That said, the club must utilize his prowess in the midfield with another midfielder who will complement him in Carrick's double-pivot. Casemiro performed this role admirably, screening the defence and producing simple, short passes to keep hold of possession, so that Mainoo could shine.
Tonali would obviously do this, but his best football comes when he has a structured midfield with hugh-pressers who will work with the Italian. Tonali's game is about energy and control, whereas Mainoo lacks the athletic movement desired; therefore, the pair may be too similar to operate in the midfield together.
Atalanta's Ederson would be the perfect rotational player to fill Casemiro's shoes, his athleticism and pressing ability make up for what he loses technically. That's what Mainoo needs, a midfielder who is going to do the dirty work for him.
Mateus Fernandes is another Prem-proven talent who could do just that. In fact, the West Ham midfielder may be the ideal compromise between Tonali and Ederson, and could be signed as Mainoo's double-pivot partner for a reasonable price.
