Monreal backs Tonali signing as Sheringham floats Alexander-Arnold move to Arsenal

Arsenal are exploring multiple midfield options this summer after their Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in Budapest, with Sandro Tonali and Trent Alexander-Arnold both emerging as transfer targets linked to the Premier League champions.

Former Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has given his backing to a move for Newcastle’s Tonali, arguing the 26-year-old Italian would elevate Mikel Arteta’s already formidable midfield to a level no other club could match. “If Arsenal sign Tonali, obviously they will have the best midfield in the world,” said Monreal, who made 251 appearances for the club between 2013 and 2019. “But they signed Zubimendi last year for a lot of money, so it is a difficult one.”

Monreal cautioned, however, that squad balance would need to be addressed. “To have both Tonali, Zubimendi, and Rice would be a lot, so I can only imagine that they would have to sell either Zubimendi or Declan Rice if they really want Tonali. In my opinion, they already have the two best defensive midfielders in the world.”

Tonali first appeared on Arsenal’s radar during the January window after sporting director Andrea Berta was alerted to the possibility of a deal. The player’s own agent is understood to have made contact with Berta, with Tonali keen to secure Champions League football next season — something Newcastle were unable to offer after missing out on European qualification.

The second name to surface is a more unexpected one. Former England striker Teddy Sheringham has floated the idea of Trent Alexander-Arnold making a surprise move to Arsenal. The 27-year-old left Liverpool for Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer, but endured a difficult debut season in Spain, struggling for consistent starts due to injury and competition for places.

Arsenal manager Arteta signalled his ambitions clearly in his post-match press conference following the PSG defeat, indicating the club would need to show significant intent in the transfer window. Josh Kroenke, son of owner Stan Kroenke, has suggested sporting director Berta could be handed a budget of around £250 million — matching the club’s record outlay from the previous summer.