New Tonali: Newcastle looking to sign £35m midfielder after holding talks
Newcastle United have built their modern reputation not just on financial clout but on shrewdly identifying opportunities that balance ambition with strategy.
Their recruitment since the change of ownership has been measured, targeted and often brave.
The signing of Sandro Tonali in 2023 epitomised that approach.
In making the AC Milan midfielder the most expensive Italian player in history, Newcastle showed their willingness to gamble on a player who combined proven Serie A quality with enormous potential upside.
Despite his 10-month suspension for breaching betting regulations, Tonali has since returned to play a central role in Eddie Howe’s side.
He was instrumental in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph – their first domestic silverware in 70 years – and now forms part of a midfield three with Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton that ranks among the most complete in Europe.
That calculated risk has paid off.
It has also demonstrated to Newcastle’s hierarchy that Italian football remains fertile ground for elite talent that can be persuaded to make the move to the Premier League.
Newcastle make contact over Inter star
They have already dipped back into Serie A this summer, recruiting Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, further evidence of a strategy built on trusted relationships and a willingness to invest in players who can adapt quickly to Howe’s aggressive, high-pressing football.
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Against that backdrop, it is no surprise that Newcastle are once again monitoring the Italian market.
According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, Newcastle have made initial contact with Inter Milan regarding midfielder Davide Frattesi.
While discussions have not moved beyond a preliminary stage, the very fact the club have opened a dialogue underlines their intent to explore whether another Serie A talent could be lured to Tyneside.
Frattesi, 25, has long been viewed as one of Italy’s brightest midfielders.
He joined Inter in 2023 from Sassuolo, and since then, he has grown into an important option for Inter.
Christian Chivu, Inter’s new head coach, considers him a key part of the squad, but with the likes of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Piotr Zieliński and Luis Henrique all competing for central roles, a departure cannot be entirely ruled out.
Still, Inter’s position is firm: any suitor must meet their €40m (£35m) valuation.
That figure is not insignificant, particularly for Newcastle, who have already invested heavily this summer.
Jacob Ramsey’s arrival from Aston Villa strengthened their midfield department, making a further signing in that area less of a priority.
Yet Frattesi’s profile fits with Howe’s long-term vision of building a squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe.
Lessons From Tonali and the Italian Connection
Frattesi’s numbers underline his threat.
He scored five times and registered two assists in 28 Serie A appearances last season, while also making an impact on the European stage with two goals in 13 Champions League outings, including a decisive strike in Inter’s semi-final victory over Barcelona.
Internationally, he already has 29 caps for Italy and an impressive return of eight goals.
Beyond raw output, his underlying metrics stand out. According to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals per 90 (0.37), the 95th percentile for total shots per 90 (1.91) and the 93rd percentile for touches inside the attacking penalty area per 90 (3.08).
Few central midfielders in Europe consistently arrive in advanced areas with such effect.
The parallels with Newcastle’s pursuit of Tonali are obvious. In both cases, the club identified a player who, while not surplus to requirements, could potentially be prised away from one of Serie A’s giants for different reasons.
In Tonali’s case, although he was a key player in Milan’s 2021/22 Scudetto-winning side, the club’s difficult financial situation forced his transfer.
By contrast, Frattesi’s place in Inter’s starting lineup is far from guaranteed.
This situation could play into Newcastle’s hands, particularly if the player desires a more consistent role ahead of a potential World Cup campaign with Italy.
At 25, he has room to grow further, and his skillset – high pressing, ball-carrying, late penalty-box entries – aligns with Howe’s blueprint.
The challenge is financial. Inter, flush with midfield depth but also mindful of squad harmony, are under no pressure to sell unless their €40m (£35m) price tag is met.
Newcastle, mindful of PSR Regulations, may be wary, having already spent significantly on Ramsey, Anthony Elanga and Thiaw this summer.
That said, Newcastle’s Serie A ventures are rarely speculative.
Their recruitment team has cultivated strong networks in Italy, and the arrivals of Tonali and Thiaw underline the willingness of Italian clubs to engage with them when the price is right.
Whether or not a deal for Frattesi materialises, the broader point is that Newcastle are doubling down on a transfer strategy that has already brought success.
Tonali’s rehabilitation from suspension into a central figure was a vindication of Newcastle’s faith in Serie A talent.
Frattesi, with his goalscoring instincts and ability to operate at both ends of the pitch, could be the next step in that evolution.
For Newcastle, the Serie A experiment has already paid off once – a repeat, even if not immediately, seems only a matter of time.
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