Jay Bothroyd has backed Arsenal to move first for Sandro Tonali and repeat the Eberechi Eze-style hijack he says would leave Tottenham behind. He described Tonali as “one of the best midfielders in the world” and said the Newcastle midfielder would go straight into Arsenal’s starting line-up. Newcastle are still holding a hard line on the fee, with talks framed by a €100m asking price.

Bothroyd's case for Tonali

The strongest part of Bothroyd’s argument is not just the transfer angle, it is the player profile. Tonali made 53 competitive appearances this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 7 assists. That is a lot of involvement for a midfielder who is still being discussed as a market move rather than a finished product.

Bothroyd was blunt about the player’s level. “I think Tonali is one of the best midfielders in the world,” he said, adding that he had heard Paul Scholes talk about him and “he's got a lot more in his locker than Declan Rice.” He also called him “very industrious”, “box to box” and said he “leads by example”.

There is a reason that kind of language matters here. If a player is viewed as an automatic starter at one of the league’s strongest sides, the chase becomes less about whether he fits and more about whether the club can get to the front of the queue.

The fee Tottenham would have to beat

The price is still the obvious obstacle. Newcastle are reportedly not prepared to budge until offers reach €100m, and Tonali’s move to St James’ Park in 2023 came from AC Milan for €60m, with Milan also owed 10% of any future sale fee.

Reports on Tottenham’s side vary. One account says an opening offer of £75m was dismissed and that Spurs are now confident about a £85m deal. Another places the focus on a new improved proposal, but none of it changes the same basic point: Newcastle are setting the bar high.

Bothroyd’s Eze comparison gives Arsenal the sharper angle in the race. He said, “if Arsenal come in, exactly the same situation that happened with Eze is going to happen again with Tonali.” That is the boldest part of his view, and it is also the part that will get most attention if the rivalry story keeps building.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →