Manchester United Gains Advantage in Sandro Tonali Transfer Race

Manchester United's efforts to sign Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali have received a significant lift following Juventus's failure to qualify for the Champions League. The Red Devils are keen to secure Tonali's signature during the summer transfer window but anticipate strong competition.

Among the clubs reportedly interested in the 26-year-old Italy international are Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain. Juventus had also expressed interest in Tonali; however, their recent inability to secure Champions League football has diminished their chances of signing him.

Juventus needed a win against Torino in their final league match, along with favorable results elsewhere, to guarantee a spot in next season's Champions League. Despite holding a two-goal lead, Juventus drew 2-2 with city rivals Torino, finishing sixth in the league—behind fifth-placed Milan and Como, who claimed the final Champions League berth. As a result, Juventus will compete in the Europa League next season, according to the Express.

This outcome has effectively ended Juventus's prospects of attracting Tonali back to Italy, especially since reports last week indicated the club required Champions League qualification to convince him. With Juventus and former club AC Milan now out of the running, Manchester United's position in the transfer race has improved considerably.

The Red Devils can offer Tonali Champions League football and likely a starting role, as they seek to fill the void left by Casemiro. United plans to sign at least two central midfielders this summer to address Casemiro's departure and the demands of an expanded fixture schedule.

Atalanta's Ederson is among the midfielders United are targeting, with the club reportedly reaching a verbal agreement for a five-year contract with the Brazilian. Persistent links between Ederson and Manchester United suggest a transfer could be finalized this summer, with negotiations ongoing over a potential £43 million fee.

Other midfielders linked with moves to Old Trafford include Nottingham Forest's Elliott Anderson, West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, and Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, as Manchester United looks to strengthen its squad further.