Di Marzio: Arsenal lead Tonali race

The 2026 summer transfer window is already heating up, and the landscape of the Premier League looks vastly different. With Manchester United surging under Michael Carrick and Tottenham Hotspur locked in a desperate battle against relegation, the stakes for summer recruitment have never been higher.

We sat down with world-renowned transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio to get the definitive inside track on United's pursuit of Morgan Rogers, the brewing battle for Newcastle’s midfield maestros, and why Inter Milan are "guarding" their latest wonderkid.

United scouting Morgan Rogers "in every single match"

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has become one of the most talked-about names in English football. While United are clearly enamoured with the 23-year-old, Di Marzio reveals that the interest is currently one-sided, with a final decision resting on the permanent managerial appointment at Old Trafford.

“Morgan Rogers is not absolutely keen on the move, but Manchester United are interested in him, for sure. We have to wait to see who the new manager will be first of all.”

“It is still a question mark whether Michael Carrick will be confirmed or not, and the new manager will have to decide who they want at the club.”

Despite the uncertainty around the dugout, United’s scouting department is in overdrive.

“But Morgan Rogers is on their list, for sure. They are scouting him in every single match because they want him, but they will decide if they will go for him in the next few weeks.”

“Even though he is on the list, they still need to decide if he is their top target from that list.”

Who will leave - Tonali or Guimaraes?

Newcastle United face a pivotal summer. With squad balancing in mind, Di Marzio insists that only one of their star midfielders will be allowed to leave St James' Park.

“For Bruno Guimaraes, his future very much is linked to Sandro Tonali, because I don`t think Newcastle will let both of them go in the summer. If Tonali will leave, Guimaraes will stay and vice versa.”

“These are two very interesting names in the summer, both for Newcastle and all the top clubs that are interested in the players.”

While Juventus are circling, Arsenal appear to have the edge if Tonali decides to stay in England, though his heart may be pulling him back to the Mediterranean.

“I think that Tonali is likely to leave Newcastle, because a lot of top European clubs want him. Juventus really wants him and he is the number one player on their list.”

“Arsenal really wants him as well, but they didn`t really try to sign him in January, because it was simply impossible. There was no possibility that he could leave Newcastle in January.”

“But I think Arsenal will come back. The price will be very high and as I said, only one of Tonali and Guimaraes will leave, so they can`t both leave the club.”

Despite Newcastle's precarious mid-table position, the club is determined to drive a hard bargain for a player who remains the tactical heartbeat of their midfield. Arsenal’s current dominance in the league makes them an attractive sporting prospect, yet the personal pull of Italy remains a significant factor for the former AC Milan man.

“Arsenal is the most likely destination for Tonali in the Premier League, but they are really interested in him. I am not sure if he wants to stay in the Premier League, because he might want to go back to Italy. I think he misses Italy, but the Premier League is the top league, so he still has to decide what he wants to do.”

“It also depends on who can afford him, because it will be difficult for Juventus to pay the price, and they have to qualify for the Champions League, otherwise they don`t have the money to buy him.”

“But if he leaves Newcastle and wants to stay in the Premier League, Arsenal for sure is the most likely destination.”

“But he really likes Serie A and I think he wants to play in Serie A again. He also had a child, so even if he stays in the Premier League, it might not be more than two or three years. I also think he wants to show the Italian fans how good he is, probably being the best Italian midfielder.”

Even without Tonali, the Gunners are absolutely flying right now and face a home clash with Everton this weekend. They are currently priced at 3/10 to pick up all three points, and if you fancy backing them, you can do so by using our bet365 bonus code.

Arsenal’s hunt for Esposito

Arsenal’s search for a striker has led them to Inter’s Pio Esposito, but Di Marzio warns that the Nerazzurri have no intention of selling their "treasure".

“Esposito is the future of our national team and the future of Inter Milan. Yes, there were reports about Arsenal being interested in him, but Inter denied the interest. I simply don`t believe Inter will let him go, and especially not in the summer.”

“They haven`t even put a price tag on him, because there is no chance of him leaving. Not a possibility at all. But he is a player who in the future will play in the Premier League of course, because he is a fantastic player.”

“Again, he won't leave in the summer, but in some years, Manchester United and Arsenal will want him and they could be an option. He just won't leave Inter in the summer.”

However, United and Arsenal fans should keep an eye on Marcus Thuram, who could be the one to make way at the San Siro.

“If we were to talk about strikers who can leave Inter in the summer, I think that Martinez and Thuram can leave. Thuram has a lot of options and can very likely leave the club.”

“If Thuram leaves, I think he can only come to the Premier League or PSG. He can definitely be an opportunity for the clubs. All the top clubs in the Premier League want him and we will have to keep a close eye on his future in the next months.”

Micky van de Ven is in a "critical" situation at Spurs

With Tottenham currently teetering on the edge of a shocking drop to the Championship, their squad is expected to be picked apart if they can't find safety.

“I really think Micky van de Ven may leave Tottenham, because their situation is very critical. We have no idea who the new manager or even the sporting director will be, so the situation may open to selling van de Veen.”

“There is nothing advanced at the moment, because Tottenham is focusing on not getting relegated. They don`t want to have any talks about potential deals, but he is a target for all the top clubs in the Premier League.”

“Even in Italy, a lot of clubs are interested, but they can`t afford him. He was close to AC Milan in the past, but now he is not an opportunity.”

Bernardo Silva and Vinicius Jr.

The window could also see major movements for established legends. Bernardo Silva is approaching the end of his City tenure, while Vinicius Jr. remains the subject of astronomical interest.

“Bernado Silva won't renew his contract and Juventus really want him, but they have to qualify for the Champions League to afford his salary. He is asking for a lot but he also wants to play in the Champions League, so he won't make a decision before he knows if Juventus are qualifying or not.”

As for the Real Madrid superstar, Di Marzio believes the "jewel" of Madrid will be staying put unless a move to the Middle East materialises.

“I don't think Vinicius Jr. can leave Real Madrid, but it depends on the Real Madrid project. They still don't know who the next manager will be.”

“He is the jewel of Florentino Perez, so I simply don't believe he can leave Real Madrid. I don't even think he is in the market, because no one can afford him.”

“There is only one option for him, and that is to go to Saudi Arabia. They can afford buying him, but I just don't think he wants to play in Saudi Arabia yet. He wants to win the Ballon Dor which is a big focus for him, so even though they are the only ones able to pay what the club wants, I don`t think it will happen.”

“So, I really think he will stay at Real Madrid. I would be very surprised and Real Madrid wants to have both Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. next season.”

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