Arsenal target's agent warns Man City are likely to battle them for £100m star

Mikel Arteta is said to ‘admire’ the midfielder – but have a fight on his hands (Picture: Getty)

Sandro Tonali ’s agent anticipates both Arsenal and Manchester City making moves to sign the Newcastle United star this summer.

Tonali’s future in the north east has been in doubt since he was offered to Arsenal on transfer deadline day in January after they lost Mikel Merino to injury.

While a move was explored for a player the Gunners admire, no direct talks took place in January.

Interest in the Italy international has grown since with Manchester United also credited with firm interest as they search for a replacement for Casemiro he will leave Old Trafford this summer.

Any interested party will have to dig deep with reports suggesting Newcastle will demand £100million for a player they signed for two years ago for just over half that amount.

Tonali’s agent has now further fuelled talk of a summer exit, suggesting catching the attention of the Premier League’s elite clubs was always part of the plan.

‘Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England: to try to make him a star player,’ Giuseppe Riso told Calcio Finaza .

Tonali valued at £100m (Picture: Getty)

‘I think he’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values ​​in the world.’

Tonali hopes to represent his nation at the World Cup this summer but there is still work for the Azzurri to do. They will meet North Ireland in a play-off semi-final later this month with the winners of that game to face Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Newcastle are desperate to hold onto the midfielder (Picture: Getty)

Shaould Italy head to North America, the subject of Tonali’s future could very well be on hold until after the competition – a situation many players on the move will experience this summer.

But his agent has suggested City will also be among those clubs waiting to pounce.