Pallister Backs Carrick to Land Tonali in £85m Battle
Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister believes Michael Carrick can win the race for Sandro Tonali despite competition from Arsenal and Tottenham.
Manchester United have been tipped to secure the signing of Sandro Tonali this summer, with club legend Gary Pallister suggesting the Italian would be an ideal fit for Michael Carrick’s midfield. The Newcastle United star is expected to leave St James’ Park after the Magpies failed to qualify for the Champions League, sparking a fierce transfer battle among Premier League rivals.
Tottenham have already seen a £75million bid rejected by Newcastle, though they remain confident of striking a deal for the £85m-rated midfielder. Arsenal have also been heavily linked with Tonali, with some reports indicating the player would favour a switch to the Emirates. Yet Pallister, speaking about the race, believes United can still steal a march on both north London clubs.
Pallister: Tonali an ideal signing for United
“We don’t know how much money the Manchester United board will give Michael Carrick to spend. Carrick may well have to sell some players before he can start bringing new ones in, but if you want to take this team to the next level, then two or three players are needed, specially with Casemiro having already left,” Pallister said. “Tonali would be an ideal signing. He’s a player you can see doing well for Manchester United but it will be difficult to prise him away from Newcastle. Arsenal and Tottenham both want him but I have a sneaking suspicion that United could still get it over the line.”
The former defender also highlighted Tonali’s proven Premier League pedigree, comparing his potential impact to that of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo last season. “Tonali is a proven Premier League player and that counts for a lot. We saw that last season when United signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, whereas Benjamin Sesko who came across from the Bundesliga still has a lot to prove but he’s learning and getting better,” he added.
United have already moved quickly to bolster Carrick’s squad, sealing a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. But further arrivals are expected, with the Old Trafford hierarchy keen to add at least one more central midfielder. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes was high on the wishlist, though he is also weighing up a move to Tottenham. Former United striker Michael Owen has urged the club to do everything they can to land Fernandes, describing him as the ideal partner for Kobbie Mainoo.
With the transfer window still open, the race for Tonali remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the summer. United’s ability to secure Champions League football or offer a compelling project could prove decisive, while Arsenal and Tottenham continue to circle. For now, Pallister’s confidence suggests the Red Devils are not out of the running. Stay tuned to our latest news page for all the updates on this developing saga.