Arsenal & Man Utd battling to sign 25yo Italian star

Arsenal and Manchester United could compete to land Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali at the end of the campaign, according to AS.

The Italian was linked with the Gunners prior to the winter transfer deadline after a serious foot injury to Mikel Merino. A deal never materialised but Arsenal could make a formal summer approach.

United have since joined the pursuit of the former AC Milan man, but there is no guarantee that the 25-year-old will be permitted to pursue a new challenge away from the Magpies.

Newcastle look likely to miss out on Champions League qualification via the Premier League. They are currently 13th in the table. They may not win the competition to secure an entry either.

The Magpies are facing a staggering round of 16 tie against Barcelona and could be set for an early exit. In that case, Tonali could seek to join another Champions League side.

However, Eddie Howe's team could play hardball in negotiations. They may only entertain the departure of either Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes but not both in the same summer.