Sandro Tonali: Why Chelsea failed in their bid to sign Newcastle-bound star

James Shearman

Updated: 22 Jun 2023 07:20 CDT
3 min read

Sandro Tonali with Chelsea and Newcastle badges — © ProShots

Chelsea reportedly failed in their attempts to sign midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.

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Tonali is now set to join Newcastle for a fee of €70 million, with personal terms also agreed.

The Magpies saw off interest from Chelsea, who, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, were not willing to meet Milan's asking price.

Instead, the Blues were hoping to include players in a deal that would see them pay a significantly lower fee.

These players included Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic and youngster Cesare Casadei.

Loftus-Cheek has been linked with a move to Milan so it comes as a surprise that they were not willing to include him in a deal.

Chelsea's midfield options

Chelsea's formidable Champions League-winning midfield is now a thing of the past.

Jorginho left for Arsenal in the January window, while N'Golo Kante has recently signed for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad on a free transfer.

Mateo Kovacic is nearing a move to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and fan favourite Mason Mount is hoping to join Manchester United.

N’Golo Kante, an all-time great. 💫 pic.twitter.com/Badu44Jz8s
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 21, 2023

The Blues need to sign at least two midfielders to replace them, with their current squad filled with youngsters in the central midfield position.

The west London club's priority is Brighton's Moises Caicedo, who they were linked with in January - as were Arsenal.

While Southampton's Romeo Lavia, Everton's Amadou Onana and Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga have been touted as other options.

Read more about: La Liga Serie A Premier League Professional League Al-Ittihad Arsenal Brighton Celta Chelsea Everton Inter Man City Man Utd Milan Southampton Amadou Onana Christian Pulisic Declan Rice Gabri Veiga Jorginho Mason Mount Mateo Kovacic Moises Caicedo N'Golo Kanté Roméo Lavia Ruben Loftus-Cheek Sandro Tonali