Sandro Tonali is considering leaving Newcastle this summer may need Champions League football to convince him to stay.
This is according to Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, who has put the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Juventus on red alert ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Italy international’s future has been the subject of speculation following contrasting reports on transfer Deadline Day.
As per the Athletic, Tonali was offered to Arsenal by an agent which saw the club explore a deal, though, crucially, no contact was made with Newcastle who quickly moved to dismiss such reports.
Furthermore, Riso, when speaking to Sky Sport in Italy insisted there was never any talks with the Gunners.
However, Riso has now hinted that Tonali may look to leave St James’ Park in the summer unless the club manage to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
“Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,” Riso said, as per the Times.
“We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. These transfer discussions will take place later.
“We’ll see how the season ends and then we’ll decide what to do.
“There’s no preference at the moment.
“It’s still early. What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club.”
Currently, Newcastle’s best hope of playing in Europe’s elite club competition next season is by winning the tournament this term.
Eddie Howe’s side are down in 11th ahead of this weekend’s clash at home to Brentford, seven points off fifth place with some tricky fixtures on the horizon.
In the Champions League, they face a knockout phase play-off against Qarabag later this month and, if victorious, will draw either Chelsea or Barcelona in the last-16.
