Report: Ludicrous fee AC Milan think Newcastle United will let Sandro Tonali go for this summer

The summer transfer window presents both opportunity and challenge for Newcastle United’s sporting director Paul Mitchell as he navigates the delicate balance between retaining key players and making strategic additions.

After operating cautiously in January due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) constraints, the Magpies are preparing for a more ambitious summer with significant funds expected to be available. However, Mitchell’s task comes with complications – while he works to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad, he must simultaneously fend off growing interest in Newcastle’s prized assets.

This precarious situation stems from the club’s remarkable progress under Howe’s leadership. As Newcastle have risen to become genuine top-four contenders and Carabao Cup winners, their players have inevitably attracted attention from Europe’s elite.

The cases of Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak exemplify this new reality – both have become indispensable to Newcastle’s project yet find themselves at the center of persistent transfer speculation. Mitchell’s ability to retain these cornerstones while improving squad depth will define Newcastle’s ability to progress next season.

Sandro Tonali’s situation encapsulates Newcastle’s current dilemma perfectly. Since returning from his lengthy suspension last August, the Italian midfielder has been transformative for Howe’s side. His dynamic box-to-box presence has added a new dimension to Newcastle’s play, equally effective in breaking up opposition attacks and kickstarting his team’s forward movements.

Howe’s description of Tonali as “magnificent” following his dominant display against Wolves in January underscores his importance to the team’s structure.

Despite this, reports continue to link Tonali with a potential departure. Barcelona’s long-standing interest dates back to 2020, while AC Milan fans dream of bringing their former hero back to San Siro.

Most concerning for Newcastle is the laughable suggestion from Italian media that Milan believe they could secure Tonali for just €60 million (£50 million) – £5 million less than Newcastle paid for him in 2023. Such figures demonstrate either staggering ignorance of the current market or wishful thinking from Tonali’s former club.

Newcastle’s stance remains unequivocal – they value Tonali at a minimum of £70 million and have no intention of entertaining offers below that threshold. More importantly, both player and club appear aligned in their commitment to the project.

Tonali has repeatedly expressed his happiness on Tyneside, with his agent dismissing exit rumors after the January window closed. The midfielder has personally assured CEO Darren Eales of his contentment, emphasizing he isn’t contemplating a return to Italy. This mutual commitment provides Newcastle with strong leverage in any potential negotiations.

Tonali’s situation mirrors the broader challenge facing Newcastle this summer. While the club finally has financial flexibility after navigating PSR restrictions, their newfound status as a competitive force makes them vulnerable to poaching attempts.

Alexander Isak’s links to Liverpool and Arsenal represent another test of Newcastle’s resolve, with the Swedish striker’s 23-goal campaign making him one of Europe’s most coveted forwards.

Mitchell’s strategy must address multiple fronts simultaneously. First, securing key players to new contracts would send a powerful message about Newcastle’s ambitions.

Second, targeted acquisitions must address clear squad deficiencies – particularly in defense where injuries to Sven Botman have exposed a lack of depth. The decision to loan Lloyd Kelly to Juventus now appears questionable given Dan Burn’s workload, highlighting the need for smarter squad planning.

The potential departure of fringe players could provide both financial and tactical benefits. Several squad members face uncertain futures as their contracts wind down, while others have fallen out of favor as Howe has refined his first-team selections. These exits could generate funds and create space for new arrivals better suited to Newcastle’s evolving style.

The intense interest in Newcastle’s players, while challenging, ultimately reflects the remarkable work done by Howe and his staff. Three years ago, few top European clubs would have coveted Magpies players; now, their squad is being systematically scouted by Champions League regulars. This transformation speaks volumes about the quality being developed at St James’ Park.

As Mitchell prepares for a pivotal summer, his priorities are clear: resist predatory bids for cornerstone players, make strategic additions to address squad imbalances, and continue building a team capable of consistent top-four challenges.

Success on all three fronts would demonstrate Newcastle’s growing maturity in the transfer market and set the stage for another step forward in their ambitious project. The coming months will reveal whether Newcastle can transition from plucky overachievers to established contenders – with their transfer business likely determining which path they take.