Arsenal favourites to sign 26yo Newcastle star?

Arsenal are reportedly deemed frontrunners to land Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali ahead of Manchester United.

The Gunners were heavily linked with the Italian at the start of the year. His representative contacted the Premier League champions, but they decided against making a formal transfer offer.

Arsenal have continued to be associated with the player, and the Magpies believe the Gunners will eventually make a bid. There is a belief that they are the favourites to purchase the former AC Milan man.

Tottenham Hotspur have recently joined the pursuit, but reports claim that their interest may have been leaked to persuade the Gunners to lodge an official bid for the highly-rated 26-year-old.

Manchester United have also been credited with an interest, but don't seem likely to bid for the player. They have turned their attention to West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes in recent weeks.

The Portuguese won't come on the cheap either with the Hammers expecting at least £80m to part ways with him. Tonali, on the other hand, could be prised away for around £100m.