adminNewcastle United have entered pole position to sign their ideal replacement for starter, after already completing their first signing of the summer in goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen.
Losing Anthony Gordon was a setback, but not many players can refuse a move to Barcelona, and the winger received support from fans on Tyneside as he completed his £69m transfer earlier this month.
Newcastle responded by securing an £18m deal for highly-rated Reims goalkeeper Jaouen, but the club could still face a difficult summer.
After missing out on Champions League qualification and European football altogether, they could yet lose Sandro Tonali.
Recent reports suggest Arsenal have held talks to sign the Italian midfielder, which would be a major blow for Newcastle. They already lost Alexander Isak to a Premier League rival last year, and losing another key player would add to their frustration.
Newcastle are not just waiting for Tonali to leave, however. The club have already identified a potential replacement.
According to reports from Il Messaggero Veneto in Italy, Newcastle are now leading the race to sign Arthur Atta from Udinese, who is seen as a possible successor to Tonali.
Udinese reportedly value the midfielder at around €40m (£35m), a fee Newcastle can afford following recent player sales and potential departures.
Statistically, Atta and Tonali show different profiles. Tonali is more dominant defensively, while Atta offers more attacking output.
League stats 2025/26
Minutes: Atta 2,563 | Tonali 2,543
Goals: Atta 5 | Tonali 0
Tackles: Atta 27 | Tonali 35
Recoveries: Atta 111 | Tonali 147
Duel success: Atta 43.8% | Tonali 54.9%
The data highlights the challenge Newcastle would face if Tonali leaves this summer. The Italian remains stronger defensively and more complete out of possession.
However, Atta’s upside is clear. At just 22 years old, he offers energy, attacking threat, and long-term potential. After Newcastle’s struggles in front of goal from midfield, that quality could be valuable.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
