Arsenal Table £86m Bid for Tonali as Arteta Eyes Eyong to Replace Gyokeres

Arsenal have made their move for Newcastle's prized midfielder Sandro Tonali, tabling a €100 million (£86m) bid as they prepare for a summer rebuild. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Gunners have emerged as Real Madrid's main rival in the race for the Italian international's signature.

The 25-year-old has been on Arsenal's radar for some time, with talk of a switch to the Emirates dating back to before his 2023 move to St James' Park. Though his early years on Tyneside were hampered by a betting ban that kept him sidelined for much of 2023/24, Tonali has since become one of the Premier League's standout performers in midfield. January saw Tonali and his representatives attempt to engineer a departure to north London, but Newcastle held firm. With Eddie Howe's side now in decline, another push for the exit could materialise this summer.

The reported offer represents a substantial investment, and Fichajes suggests it's a figure Newcastle may find difficult to dismiss given Tonali's status as one of the market's most coveted midfielders.

Alongside their midfield ambitions, Arsenal are also hunting for fresh firepower up front. Mikel Arteta has reportedly identified Levante's Karl-Ettan Eyong as a top priority, with the Spanish striker earmarked as a potential replacement for Viktor Gyokeres. The summer arrival has disappointed thus far, though his performances have gradually improved as the season has worn on.

Eyong carries a €40 million (£34m) release clause for Premier League clubs—a €10 million premium over what La Liga sides would pay—and Arteta has apparently set his sights on bringing him to the Emirates. Tottenham are keeping tabs on the situation, adding pressure to Arsenal's pursuit. However, Eyong's representatives are understood to favour the Gunners' project as their preferred destination.

While a new striker remains possible, any arrival would more likely come as a successor to Gabriel Jesus rather than Gyokeres, whose fortunes have turned somewhat positive of late.