AC Milan’s fans are expressing their anger towards the club’s owners as Newcastle United edges closer to signing midfielder Sandro Tonali. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Newcastle’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is currently in Milan to negotiate a deal worth around £60 million for the 23-year-old.
Tonali, a boyhood Milan fan, played a pivotal role in the team’s title-winning campaign and Champions League run last season. Despite his popularity, he has reportedly reached a personal agreement with Newcastle. This deal includes a six-year contract worth £132,500 per week plus add-ons.
Newcastle is keen to bolster its midfield options and sees Tonali as an ideal fit. The club aims to secure a holding midfielder to allow Bruno Guimaraes to play a more advanced role. This frees him from the defensive duties he assumed for much of the previous season.
With Tonali too departing, protests continue from Milan fans
The potential sale of Tonali, coupled with the recent dismissal of Milan icon Paolo Maldini as technical director, has ignited frustration among supporters. AC Milan’s owners could face significant backlash from fans, with the hashtag #CardinaleOut trending on Twitter.
According to Football Italia, the sale of Tonali could be the tipping point in the strained relationship between the club owners and the supporters. Especially considering the recent takeover, they want to establish a good relationship with fans but these moves are costing them.
Newcastle eyeing other targets after Tonali
Aside from Tonali, Newcastle is also eyeing Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella to further bolster their midfield. Besides, they are also reportedly keen to sign James Maddison from Leicester City as an attacking midfield option.
The new Saudi owners of Newcastle are not messing around and want to improve their squad in all the departments. Having secured Champions league football, Newcastle want to improve their team to compete against the likes of big teams in Europe. However, they are keen to add only the players which seem fit and rather not spend big unwantedly.
Only time will tell what happens to the situations both in Milan and Newcastle. It would be great for neutral fans to see Milan face Newcastle in the Champions league next season.
