Tonali Joining AC Milan, Rejects Barcelona And Manchester United Interest

Sandro Tonali is among the rising football stars these days with several clubs interested in taking him in. Now, it appears AC Milan has won the race for the 20-year-old player. Once made official, it would shut the door on other clubs who have expressed interest in the Italian midfielder.

Word of such a move comes from no less than Brescia Calcio president Massimo Cellino. Inter Milan had also expressed interest in Tonali, but Rossoneri piqued his interest more since they were the club he grew up supporting.

“I know that [Inter CEO] Beppe Marotta really wanted Tonali and that [Inter head coach] Antonio Conte appreciated him, so I think his agent had agreed terms with Inter,” Cellino said during an interview on Italian television channel​ Top Calcio 24.

“We also had interest from Barcelona and Manchester United, but the lad is in love with Milan and went crazy once he heard of their offer because he supports them,” he continued.

Tonali has drawn comparisons with Azzurri legend Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo did not play down the hype and even said Tonali was a more complete player than him, Goal reported.

With that exchange, it did not take long for pundits to link a possible partnership. As mentioned in a previous report, Tonali appeared to be a candidate for Pirlo, who took over from Maurizio Sarri at Juventus FC.

Regardless, that seems to be water under the bridge. Tonali is expected to move to AC Milan and a deal should be closed soon. The Italian midfielder will head to San Siro Stadium on an initial $12 million deal, which includes an option to buy for $18 million and add-ons.

Though Brescia is expected to earn a lot from the AC Milan deal, Cellino admitted that they could have gotten more had Tonali gone to Barcelona or United. Barca offered $77 million back in January, while Manchester United dangled roughly $12 million more than what Rossoneri had offered.

With Tonali’s impending arrival, Stefano Pioli may need to try out new formations. Aside from the Italian, Rossoneri also added Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid.

Tiemoue Bakayoko is also expected to join Pioli for next season once his return is made official, Milan News reported.