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Arsenal could find themselves in a three-club fight for Newcastle's Sandro Tonali - who was linked with a January departure from St James' Park.

The midfielder remains a key figure for the Magpies but his performances have attracted attention from some of the club's Premier League rivals. Reports emerged that Tonali had been offered to the Gunners late in the window.

Andrea Berta, Arsenal's sporting director, explored a move for the Italian but chose not to make contact with Newcastle. However Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, has spoken to Sky Italia in an attempt to clear the air as he rubbished the idea he was offering his player around.

He said: "We never had any conversation with Arsenal. Newcastle were never gonna let Tonali leave in January. There's absolutely nothing into it. We didn't even talk about it."

The Sun is now reporting that Manchester City are keen on the former AC Milan star, who could cost £100million if he does leave Newcastle. Those from the Etihad admire several of Newcastle's players with Tino Livramento also on their radar.

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Chelsea have also been credited with interest and Tonali would appear to suit the profile of player they pursue. They currently have Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo as their midfield duo, but the Argentine has been linked with a move away. If that eventuates it could lead to the Blues pursuing Tonali.

It is understood that Tonali and wife Juliette, who recently welcomed a baby boy, are both happy in the north east and are not actively looking for an exit. The midfielder also enjoys a close relationship with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and remains grateful for the way the club backed him during his ten-month betting ban.

Tonali has helped take Newcastle into the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in recent memory and played his part in their Carabao Cup triumph last season.

Should the Magpies fail to make the European spots, which remains a realistic possibility, then it could cast doubt over a number of their leading lights, Tonali among them. He has formed an impressive partnership with Bruno Guimaraes with both men being linked with moves away.

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