Juventus are once again being linked with a bold move in the transfer market, and this time their focus has firmly landed on Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Reports from Italy suggest that new Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti is personally pushing the club to explore a deal for the Italian international, even though many within the game see such a move as extremely difficult, especially in the January window.
Tonali has quickly become one of Newcastle’s most important players since arriving from AC Milan. His influence in midfield, his calmness on the ball, and his ability to control the tempo of matches have made him a key figure under Eddie Howe.
That importance is exactly why Juventus face such a tough task. Newcastle have no real reason to sell, particularly halfway through the season, and they are in a strong financial position that allows them to resist pressure from abroad.
Juventus are fully aware of the scale of the challenge in front of them. Newcastle paid around €61 million to bring Tonali to Tyneside, and since then his value has only increased.
His current price is believed to be closer to €75 million, if not more, reflecting both his age and his growing reputation. Trying to meet that valuation in January, when prices are often inflated, is seen by many as close to impossible. The financial demands alone make the deal a huge stretch, even for a club of Juventus’ stature.
Despite those obstacles, Spalletti remains keen. He reportedly views Tonali as the ideal midfielder to build his team around, someone who can dictate play and provide balance in both attack and defence.
From his perspective, signing a player of Tonali’s quality could transform Juventus and give them a strong foundation for the future. That belief is why he continues to push the club’s hierarchy to explore every possible angle, even if the odds are stacked against them.
One option being discussed behind the scenes is to delay any serious negotiations until the summer. A June move would at least allow Juventus more time to plan financially and could make Newcastle more open to talks, depending on their own situation at the end of the season.
However, waiting does little to satisfy Spalletti, who appears eager to see progress sooner rather than later.
For now, Tonali himself is staying out of the spotlight. He has not fuelled the rumours and has instead spoken warmly about Newcastle and their supporters.
He has praised the fans for the way they welcomed him and stood by him, making it clear that he feels valued at the club. Those words could be interpreted in different ways, but at face value, they suggest a player who is settled and grateful for the trust shown in him.
Whether this interest develops into something more concrete remains to be seen. At this stage, a January deal looks highly unlikely, but Juventus’ admiration for Tonali is clear.
The coming months will reveal whether this is just another ambitious idea or the start of a long pursuit that eventually tests Newcastle’s resolve.
