Agent: Tonali is the ‘most valuable’ Italian player, Man City and Arsenal links ‘the goal’
Sandro Tonali’s agent Beppe Riso says that attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City has always been ‘the goal’ after moving to the Premier League, and says that the Newcastle midfielder is currently the most valuable Italian player in the world.
Tonali has excelled on an individual level with Newcastle in 2025-26, despite his side currently sitting in 12th place in the Premier League table.
Life has not always been straightforward for Tonali since his move to Newcastle from Milan in 2023, though.
Shortly after he joined Newcastle, Tonali was hit with a 10-match suspension from the FIGC for his involvement in prohibited gambling activity.
Riso, speaking in an interview with Calcio e Finanza, insists that he never had any knowledge of Tonali’s struggles, otherwise he would have done his best to help earlier.
“Absolutely not, otherwise I would have intervened,” he replied when asked if he knew beforehand that there was a possibility Tonali would be suspended.
“I have to say that I think the transfer (away from Milan) proved to be a winning choice in that respect. Newcastle fans were incredible with Sandro, they always supported him. He received different treatment in Italy, but not by the Milan fans, who have always protected him.
“The mentality is different in England, and there was always a standing ovation from the crowd whenever Sandro came into the stadium, despite his disqualification. We’re talking about a young guy who made a mistake. The fans realised that and he was forgiven. Now, Sandro has changed completely.”
Tonali agent comments on Arsenal and Manchester City rumours
Now, Tonali is excelling in the Premier League and Champions League with Newcastle and is beginning to attract interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
“This was the goal from the moment he went to England, to try and make him a star footballer,” said Riso. “I think he’s the most valuable Italian footballer in the world right now.”
Riso was asked why there doesn’t seem to be too many Italian players who excel in leagues outside of Serie A, aside from a handful of exceptions.
“Not many Italians have a market abroad today. But that blame also falls on us,” he said.
“It’s always fine in Italy, but elsewhere, difficulties with settling in can crop up. I think Sandro is the only one who has done that well in the Premier League, many have failed. And in Italy, we’re left looking at high prices, especially when it comes to a strong Italian player.”
Riso also believes that this is part of the reason why Serie A sides seem to field increasingly fewer young Italian players, instead focussing on foreign imports.
“Yes, but also because a lot of owners often make profits from trading players, and from here they’ve understood that a young, foreign player has more of a market abroad when looking at a future resale. It’s their ability to speak foreign languages, the mentality, the ability to adapt quicker.
“Often today, when it’s a choice between an 18-year-old Italian and an 18-year-old from abroad, we’ll go with the foreigner, which is why it’s difficult to develop big players in Italy.
“You have to sell to make money in football, and you have to take on these foreign profiles, which have a wider range on the market, in order to do so. So, it’s very complicated. Italian kids are often punished as a result.”