Arsenal and Spurs Pursue Key Transfers: Kone and Tonali
North London pulls the transfer spotlight again. Arsenal and Tottenham are pushing hard on marquee midfield deals, Chelsea are circling a new No.1, and Marcus Rashford’s future has been thrown back into doubt.
Arsenal move early for Manu Kone
Arsenal have stepped to the front of the queue for Manu Kone and, crucially, appear to have done the hardest part first. Reports in Italy claim the club have agreed personal terms with the France midfielder ahead of a possible switch to the Emirates.
The 25-year-old is exactly the profile Mikel Arteta has been chasing: energetic, technically clean, and capable of playing in multiple roles across midfield. Arsenal want extra power and depth in the middle of the pitch, and Kone has emerged as a prime candidate.
Roma’s situation has opened the door. Despite booking their place in next season’s Champions League, they are under pressure to balance the books. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serie A side need sales to stay financially compliant and have slapped a €50m (£43.2m) price tag on Kone.
For Arsenal, that is significant money. For a club trying to stay with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, it may be the going rate for the next phase of their midfield rebuild.
Spurs ready to smash their record for Sandro Tonali
Across the divide, Tottenham are lining up a move that would send an equally loud message.
Spurs are described as “increasingly confident” of signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, despite a daunting £100m valuation. A fee of that size would obliterate the club’s current transfer record and signal a new level of ambition in N17.
The Telegraph report that Roberto De Zerbi is pushing hard for the deal, desperate to bring in his compatriot as the centrepiece of his project. Tonali’s ability to dictate tempo, break lines and compete physically makes him an ideal fit for a coach who wants control and intensity in equal measure.
Newcastle’s stance is clear in the numbers. £100m is not a negotiating starting point; it is a statement of how highly they rate the Italy international. Tottenham’s willingness to even enter that conversation underlines how aggressively they are prepared to back their new manager.
Chelsea keep close watch on Diogo Costa
Head west across the capital and Chelsea’s recruitment radar remains fixed firmly on the goalkeeping market.
Porto captain Diogo Costa is still high on their list. The Portugal international has been linked with a Premier League move for some time and, after the World Cup spotlight, looks ready for a new challenge if the right offer arrives.
Record in Portugal report that Porto would demand around €60m (£51.8m) for their No.1. That figure reflects both his status at the club and his long-term potential.
Chelsea have already turned over their squad heavily in recent windows, but the search for a long-term solution in goal has never really gone away. Costa’s distribution, presence and experience at a young age make him a compelling option for a club that wants to build from the back.
Rashford’s future back in limbo
While clubs in London chase new stars, one of England’s most high-profile forwards finds himself in a familiar place: uncertainty.
Marcus Rashford’s future is unresolved again after Barcelona chose not to make his loan move permanent. The Spanish champions had a €30m option to buy but passed on it despite an impressive spell from the winger last season.
Manchester United have responded by setting a new asking price of £40m. That figure, according to ESPN, is available to almost everyone – with two very specific exceptions. Manchester City and Liverpool are not permitted to access the discounted deal.
United’s stance is clear. If Rashford is to leave, it will not be to strengthen a direct domestic rival at the very top of the Premier League.
So the summer picture sharpens: Arsenal and Spurs are ready to gamble big on midfield generals, Chelsea are weighing up a major move for a new goalkeeper, and Rashford waits for the next decisive phone call.
