Key Points
- Manchester United have told Newcastle United they do not plan to pursue Sandro Tonali this summer because of his high overall cost, including the transfer fee and wages.
- Newcastle have valued Tonali at around £100 million, with reports also citing an asking price near €115 million.
- Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are all reported to be interested in the Newcastle midfielder.
- Tottenham have held positive talks with Tonali’s camp, but no formal contact with Newcastle has been made, according to reports.
- No club has yet made a formal offer, according to BBC Sport’s report.
- Earlier reports suggested Manchester United had been preparing a possible offer, but the latest updates say they have stepped away from the race.
Manchester United (Manchester Mirror) June 18, 2026 – Newcastle United’s stance on Sandro Tonali has become one of the main talking points of the summer transfer window, with reports indicating that the club want a huge fee before considering any departure.
Newcastle United have rejected the idea of an easy sale for Sandro Tonali, while Manchester United have stepped back from pursuing the Italy midfielder this summer. Manchester United have informed Newcastle that they will not bid for Tonali because the total package is considered too expensive, with the fee and wages both seen as prohibitive.
As reported by the Mirror, Manchester United have now decided not to move forward, even though they were previously linked with the midfielder as part of a wider rebuild in central midfield. The report says Newcastle have been preparing for possible interest, but their valuation remains high.
Why are clubs interested?
Tonali has remained a major target because of his quality in midfield and his age profile, which continues to attract elite Premier League clubs. Reports name Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City among the clubs monitoring the situation.
BBC Sport reported that Tottenham have entered the race and have examined the financial side of a possible deal, while Arsenal and Manchester City have already shown interest. Daily Cannon also reported that Spurs have held positive talks with Tonali’s camp, although they have not contacted Newcastle directly.
How much is Newcastle asking?
The figures in the reports point to a very high valuation. Manchester United were said to have been put off by a price tag of around £100 million, while another report placed Newcastle’s asking price at about €115 million, which is close to £100 million.
That price level helps explain why United have moved away from the deal. It also suggests that any club wanting to sign Tonali would need to be ready for a major outlay rather than a standard summer bid.
What do the reports say?
The latest picture from the published reports is fairly consistent. Manchester United are no longer expected to bid, Newcastle are holding firm on valuation, and Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City are the main clubs still mentioned as potential suitors.
Earlier reports had suggested United might submit an offer, but the more recent updates have reversed that position. The BBC report adds that, despite interest, no formal offers have been made by any club so far.
Transfer impact
This development could shape the rest of the summer market for midfielders. If Newcastle keep Tonali, it would strengthen their negotiating position and make it clear they are not under pressure to sell.
For Manchester United, stepping away from the move means they may look at other midfield options instead of committing a large share of their budget to one player. For Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City, the reports suggest that any serious move would still depend on whether they are willing to meet Newcastle’s terms.
Background of the development
Tonali’s situation has been followed closely because he has continued to attract interest from major Premier League clubs over several months. In February, reports already linked Arsenal and Manchester United with the player, showing that the interest is not new.
By April, coverage had widened to include Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City, with Newcastle still described as valuing him at around €115 million. In June, Tottenham were added to the list of clubs exploring a possible move, although reports stressed that no formal approach had been made to Newcastle.
Prediction
For Newcastle supporters, the most likely short-term effect is continued uncertainty but no immediate sale unless a club meets the valuation. For Manchester United followers, the decision to walk away suggests the club may prioritise more affordable midfield targets.
For Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City fans, the race is still open in theory, but Newcastle’s price tag makes a transfer difficult unless one club decides Tonali is worth a record-level investment. That means the player’s future may depend less on interest and more on whether a club is willing to match Newcastle’s financial demands.
