Newcastle's Tonali Exit Looms as Magpies Plot Midfield Overhaul; Arsenal Circle Pair of Targets

Newcastle face a significant summer rebuild in midfield, with Sandro Tonali seemingly edging towards the exit door at St James' Park and the club already working on succession plans.

The Italian midfielder's representatives have begun laying groundwork for a potential departure, despite Tonali's agent Beppe Riso insisting there is "no preference at the moment." However, Riso has signalled flexibility come the end of the season, stating: "We'll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. These transfer discussions will take place later. We'll see how the season ends and then we'll decide what to do."

Riso also clarified that he had not formally offered Tonali to Arsenal in January, though the Gunners were indeed interested in a deadline-day swoop. Arsenal ultimately held back but are reportedly keen to resurrect that pursuit when the transfer window reopens, with a deal considered "very likely" this summer.

In response, Newcastle have activated what has been termed their "Plan B." Lyon's Tyler Morton, the former Liverpool prospect, has emerged as a leading candidate to fill the void should Tonali depart. The Magpies view the 22-year-old as capable of functioning effectively in their midfield structure, with a valuation around €30m (£26m) mooted for his services.

Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini represents another avenue. The midfielder is entering the final months of his contract with the Serie A club, with renewal talks stalled. Crucially, Pellegrini has reportedly given his blessing to a Newcastle move, viewing a switch to the Premier League as his most likely destination once his current deal expires on 30 June.

Arsenal, for their part, are not limiting their ambitions to Tonali alone. The north London club have also registered interest in Newcastle's Lewis Miley, the highly-regarded young midfielder who has attracted attention from Manchester City, Aston Villa, and even Borussia Dortmund.

However, any move for Miley faces a significant obstacle. Newcastle have made clear their stance is unequivocal: the 21-year-old is considered "untouchable." With a contract running through June 2029, the club have no intention of entertaining offers, even those in the £50m-£60m bracket. The Magpies view Miley as a future captain and are committed to developing him as a cornerstone of their long-term project.