If Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants an insight into Sandro Tonali, he need look no further than Gunners defender and Tonali's Italy colleague Riccardo Calafiori. Newcastle midfielder Tonali has emerged as a potential transfer target following Mikel Merino's lengthy injury layoff, though the Magpies are reluctant to sell, with reports indicating no talks between the two clubs have commenced at this point. His agent is said to have offered him to the Premier League leaders, however.

Calafiori welcomed his international team-mate back into action last season after a prolonged club and country ban. Tonali endured 10 months on the sidelines after receiving a suspension for violating betting rules, missing Euro 2024 in the process, but returned to Azzurri duty less than two months after the tournament finished.

Tonali's outing for Italy against France in September 2024 represented his first international appearance in almost 12 months.

He produced an outstanding display in a 3-1 Nations League triumph, setting up Federico Dimarco's leveller and earning glowing reviews from teammate Calafiori.

"What is he giving us that's different from the European Championship? He's a beast, he combines quantity with quality, you...