- Sandro Tonali linked with Newcastle United exit
- AC Milan owed money by Magpies in Malick Thiaw deal
- Serie A side could work out mechanism to secure Italian’s return
Sandro Tonali’s name has dominated the back pages in recent weeks as he continues to be linked with a Newcastle United departure.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, AC Milan are interested in re-signing him, along with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal.
Tonali has been a key player for the Magpies since his arrival from Serie A, but his former club is still very close to his heart.
And now, it has emerged that Malick Thiaw – who swapped AC Milan for Newcastle like Tonali – could play a big role in the Italian’s return to his former club.
AC Milan have a pathway to re-sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United
Last summer, Thiaw was one of the Magpies’ major additions to the squad.
In fact, the defender is arguably the only summer signing who went down as an unwavering success, as the likes of Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey blew hot and cold.
The aforementioned report states that Newcastle still owe AC Milan a lot of money from the Thiaw deal, which was amortised over the length of his four-year deal.
TEAMtalk report that this mechanism gives the Rossoneri a better chance of re-signing Tonali over Juventus and Inter Milan, who are also interested in securing his signature.
Several reports have confirmed that Newcastle value Tonali at around £100m, which has also been doubled down on TEAMtalk’s report.
An absolute non starter
At this point in time, AC Milan don’t even have a proper structure in place after sacking their manager and a handful of key members from the club’s hierarchy.
Additionally, the Serie A giants can’t get anywhere close to his £100m valuation, even if you take into account the money Newcastle owe them in the deal to sign Thiaw.
As things stand, Tonali is set to remain at the club as he is central to Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United plans.
However, with three Premier League sides also in the running, it would not come as a surprise to see one of them make a big-money offer for the Italian.
Nevertheless, a move to AC Milan can be categorically ruled out at this stage as they neither have the resources nor a good enough sporting project to tempt Tonali. And this is despite his obvious love and affection for the club. Case closed.
