Arsenal's Pursuit of Sandro Tonali: Nacho Monreal's Warning

Nacho Monreal has urged Arsenal to think twice before launching a move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, warning that any deal could come at the cost of one of Mikel Arteta’s established stars.

The former Arsenal left-back, who spent six and a half seasons in north London, believes Tonali is an elite talent. But in his view, the Gunners already possess the midfield power they need – and then some.

Speaking to Rekatochklart, Monreal called Tonali “the best midfielder in the world,” a remarkable endorsement of a player still rebuilding his career at Newcastle. Tonali has been linked with Arsenal and several leading European clubs this summer as recruitment teams circle for opportunities in a volatile market.

Yet Monreal’s praise came with a clear warning. He pointed straight at Arsenal’s current core, built around Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice, and questioned how a third heavyweight defensive midfielder could realistically fit into the squad.

“They signed Zubimendi for a lot of money last year, so it’s difficult,” he said.

In his eyes, the arithmetic is brutal. With Zubimendi and Rice already anchoring Arteta’s midfield, Monreal cannot see a world where all three coexist without a major sacrifice.

“To have both Tonali, Zubimendi, and Rice would be a lot,” he continued, suggesting that a move for Tonali would almost inevitably push one of the current pillars towards the exit. “I can only imagine that they would have to sell either Zubimendi or Declan Rice if they really want Tonali.”

Monreal did not soften the point. For him, Arsenal already sit at the summit in that area of the pitch. “In my opinion, they already have the two best defensive midfielders in the world,” he said, placing Zubimendi and Rice at the very top of the global game.

So the question hangs over Arsenal’s summer: is the pursuit of Tonali worth tearing up a midfield Monreal believes is already built on the best there is?