Newcastle United have slapped a huge asking price on Arsenal and Chelsea target Sandro Tonali ahead of the summer transfer window.

Tonali was the subject of surprise transfer speculation on the final day of the January window, with Premier League leaders Arsenal said to be exploring a late deal.

While the Gunners are admirers of Tonali, Newcastle quickly dismissed claims they were in talks with Arsenal over a deadline-day deal.

The midfielder’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, also said: ‘We never had any conversation with Arsenal.

‘Newcastle were never going to let Tonali leave in January. There’s absolutely nothing into it. We didn’t even talk about it.’

While a January move never materialised, it has been claimed that Newcastle are braced for more interest in Tonali in the summer, with Arsenal one of three Premier League clubs plotting a deal.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a ‘huge admirer’ of Tonali and ‘would love’ to welcome the Italy international to the Emirates Stadium, according to The Sun.

Don't want to miss the week's biggest football stories? Metro's exclusive football newsletter, In The Mixer, is your essential guide.

From the latest transfer rumours and managerial moves to analysis of the biggest...