Former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has told the Blues to go all out and make a statement signing this summer.
Chelsea are set for a busy and important summer transfer window. Multiple positions need new additions, including left-back following Marc Cucurella's agreed transfer to Real Madrid.
Midfield will also be a priority, especially if Enzo Fernandez departs before the new season starts, and Di Matteo feels the Argentine's perfect replacement is already playing in the Premier League.
Roberto Di Matteo tells Chelsea to sign Sandro Tonali
Even though their decision to let Anthony Gordon join Barcelona for £70 million has helped balance their books, Newcastle United may also be forced to sell Sandro Tonali.
The Italian appears to have outgrown St. James' Park and, as a result, has been heavily linked with a big summer move. Manchester United and Arsenal have been mentioned the most, but Di Matteo thinks Chelsea should push even harder for the 26-year-old.
"If Sandro Tonali is to leave Newcastle this summer… he’s someone I like a lot,’ Di Matteo told Ladbrokes (via Metro). "I think he’s a class player. He’s a good age, too.
"I’m not sure whether Chelsea need another player in that particular department, I suppose it would depend if someone leaves. You know, they have Enzo [Fernandez], [Moises] Caicedo, Andrey Santos and Romeo Lavia. If one of those was to leave, then maybe.
"I would love to see him at Chelsea. But, for me, their priorities this summer should be in other areas of the pitch."
Tonali has two years left on his contract and is currently valued around £80 million.
Chelsea at major disadvantage compared to rivals
Seeing Tonali leave Newcastle United in the coming weeks wouldn't be surprising. The Magpies failed to qualify for European football next season and he's too good to not be playing in the biggest club competition.
The problem Chelsea have is that they also missed out on European football after finishing 10th in the table.
With Manchester United and champions Arsenal also keen to sign Tonali, it seems highly unlikely the Blues will be able to offer the Italian the same kind of prospects the other two clubs can.
During his four years in the North East, Tonali has scored 10 goals and registered 10 assists in 110 matches in all competitions.
He was part of the Newcastle United team that lifted the 2024-25 Carabao Cup; the Magpies' first trophy since 1969.
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