Can Arsenal pull off another Eberechi-Eze hijack this summer? It's probably possible.
Back in the winter, the Gunners' interest in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali was revealed and while no move materialized at the time, they remain interested in the Italian.
Arsenal have reportedly been in talks for 'weeks' about a move but have yet to make their interest in the Toon official yet.
Also at the table are the Spurs. Tonali is their boss and they have agreed personal terms with the player. A big money move could be on the cards, providing Andrea Berta and Co are the ones jumping into the race.
If he doesn't move to the Emirates Stadium, then Arsenal have plenty of other options on their radar.
Arsenal are looking for a big midfield signing this summer
Priced at £85m, Tonali's move will be a huge investment this summer but the market is such, no proven Premier League midfielder will come cheap.
Three years ago, Declan Rice moved to north London for £105m. Moises Caicedo then left for £115m. This year. Elliot Anderson looks set to join Manchester City for over £120m.
As a result, if you are looking for a midfielder with experience in English football, that will be the benchmark. It explains why Tonali is so valued and why Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is similarly caught off guard by the price tag.
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The same can be said of Bournemouth's Alex Scott, a player who is on Arsenal's radar. Priced at £80m amid ongoing contract talks, Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest on the player's future via his YouTube channel.
Romano said: “He is still on Arsenal's shortlist. One of the players they value. Talks are ongoing with the player's agent and Bournemouth to understand if a move is possible.
“Bournemouth are offering a new contract to the player. Bournemouth are really pushing for the player to stay with a release clause but Arsenal are considering the player.”
Why Scott would be a better signing than Tonali
In Tonali, Arsenal will be getting their hands on a player described as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by his agent Beppe Riso.
At Newcastle, he has proven himself to be a top talent, a world-class number 6 who can dictate play but also go forward.
However, he doesn't offer the same kind of well-rounded package that Scott offers. In short, the Guernsey-born midfielder is the complete package and fits exactly what Arsenal need this summer.
Since his success at Bristol City, he has long been highly regarded. He developed well at the Cherries but it wasn't until 2025/26 that he really exploded with a string of incredibly impressive performances.
Arsenal saw first hand the damage Scott can do when he scored what looked like a fatal goal during their title win at the Emirates, running onto the ball and firing past David Raya.
Aged just 22, Scott managed just one assist last season and scored four goals but his impact was felt far beyond what he provided in the final third. Indeed, in many of the metrics associated with being a top midfielder, he bested Tonali last season.
|
Scott vs Tonali: 25/26 Premier League |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Mathematics (in 90 minutes) |
Scott |
Tonali |
|
Goals |
0.1 |
0 |
|
Shots |
1.0 |
0.7 |
|
It helps |
0.1 |
0.1 |
|
Opportunities are created |
0.9 |
1.2 |
|
Pass accuracy |
84% |
84% |
|
The fight is done |
1.9 |
1.3 |
|
The takeover is complete |
1.0 |
0.7 |
|
Fouls won |
1.9 |
1.5 |
|
Duels won |
5.9 |
3.8 |
|
The discovery of the ball |
6.2 |
5.3 |
|
Defense contributions |
12.18 |
9.10 |
|
Continuous carriers |
1.54 |
1.10 |
On the side of the England team that will play in the World Cup, Scott did not reach the final but it is not surprising to see why he was in the conversation.
If Tonali is one of the best midfielders in the league then Scott is also there. For Bournemouth, he was everywhere. He is a better player and more efficient and drives the ball than the Italian while he goes through a lot of the defensive work.
That's not just because Andoni Iraola's side are perhaps more defensive but because Scott generally likes to enter contests. And he can't handle pressure, drawing a lot of mistakes.
Able to play as a deep-lying midfielder or up front as a number 8, the Bournemouth man will add plenty to Arsenal's midfield.
Like Martin Zubimendi, you are in awe. Like Rice, he recovers the ball well and like Myles Lewis-Skelly, he carries the ball forward with great purpose.
£80m sounds like a lot but at the age of 22, this is a player who has the potential to become a regular for England and Arsenal.
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