ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 31: Sandro Tonali of AC Milan looks on as he warms up prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on October 31, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Arsenal Not Close to Tonali, Milan Eye Gunners Backup

Some recent reports from England indicated that Arsenal are after Sandro Tonali and that coach Mikel Arteta indicated him as a priority signing for the final few weeks of the window. The Gunners have been busy so far and have added Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner.

Such chatter has found no confirmation from the Rossoneri headquarters, TuttoSport relays. That’s the case also for the rumors linking Ismael Bennacer to Liverpool. Although that situation is potentially more fluid given the presence of a release clause in his contract.

While Tonali won’t move to Arsenal, a midfielder could go the other way around as Milan have gathered intel on Albert Sambi Lokonga, Tuttomercatoweb informs. He joined last summer from Anderlecht for €17.5M, but he progressively lost playing time. The Rossoneri inquired about whether he could be available and with which formula.

The Italian international bowed out of the recent friendly against Vicenza due to a groin/upper thigh injury. The ensuing tests ruled out overly concerning problems. He may miss just the opener against Udinese and return for the following match, Corriere della Sera reports. Rade Krunic is currently the frontrunner to fill in for him.

Our Take on Arsenal and Tonali

The top Serie A midfielders surely seem in high demand these days, but there’s basically no chance Milan sell him, especially to a side that doesn’t play in the Champions League. There are decent odds he will be a Rossoneri lifer. The debate about which team, between them and Inter, would more reluctant to part ways with their cornerstones in such role would be a nice and long one.

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