Sandro Tonali may leave Newcastle for Manchester City, a move that would make sense for the Magpies. On 18 Jun, reports emerged of City's firm interest in the 26-year-old Italian midfielder.

What happened?

Newcastle need to improve their selling strategy, being smarter and more strategic in their dealings. The club's recent transfer history, including Anthony Gordon's €80million move to Barcelona, shows they can negotiate efficiently.

The Gordon deal was swift, with all parties satisfied, and the England forward left with positive sentiments about his time at St James' Park. This contrasts with Alexander Isak's drawn-out transfer to Liverpool, which was a desperate and chastening experience for Newcastle.

Why it matters for Sandro Tonali

Sandro Tonali's potential transfer is a significant concern for Newcastle, as they want to compete with top clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal as equals. Selling their best players to these teams would hinder their progress.

Newcastle are vulnerable to offers for Tonali, with his representatives talking to Arsenal in January and Tottenham more recently. Manchester City's interest is now firming up, and an offer would be considered.

What comes next?

If Sandro Tonali joins Manchester City, it would be a blow to Newcastle, but a more strategic move than joining Tottenham. The Magpies need to be dispassionate and do what works for them, even if it means selling their best players.

The transfer window has been a challenging time for Newcastle, with the loss of Alexander Isak to Liverpool still affecting the team. Sandro Tonali's potential departure would be another significant change, and the club must navigate these moves carefully.

Newcastle's ability to sell and improve, like Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, and Bournemouth, will be tested. However, these teams are not perennial challengers, and Newcastle aspire to be more than that.

Sandro Tonali's future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Newcastle must be smarter and more strategic in their dealings to compete with the best teams in the Premier League.