Arsenal latest: Sandro Tonali transfer door opens as Italy star's agent breaks silence

Newcastle and Italy star Sandro Tonali was linked with Arsenal in the winter transfer window but an international team-mate of his won't be north London bound

In a couple of days' time, Arsenal have the opportunity to clinch their first piece of silverware this season - and their first major trophy since 2020 - as they take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.

As we enter the crucial stages of the campaign, Mikel Arteta's squad remain in the hunt for four trophies. The Carabao Cup task is the simplest, with Arsenal knowing the trophy will be in their hands if they can outscore their rivals over 90 (or potentially 120) minutes.

However, they've ended up as runners-up three times since their last triumph in the competition in 1993 and were beaten 3-0 by City in 2018. Three more victories are needed to secure the FA Cup, starting with Southampton in the quarter-finals.

Arsenal also hold a nine-point advantage in the league - despite having played one match more than nearest competitors City - while a maiden Champions League victory is still within reach after Tuesday's win over Bayer Leverkusen took them through to the quarter-finals

Worries over PSR could compel Arsenal to think outside the box in the summer transfer window, but that doesn't rule out the signing of new senior players. Here are our latest lines from around the Emirates Stadium.

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Cause for Tonali optimism

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali was linked with Arsenal over the winter and has also been reportedly eyed by Manchester United. However, it appears the Red Devils are now focusing on the Italian's team-mate Bruno Guimaraes.

United are said to be in advanced negotiations for the Brazilian international, who signed for Newcastle in January 2022. The 28-year-old's contract runs until 2028 so he won't come cheap, with a transfer fee of £69million cited in the latest reports.

Juventus have also shown interest in Tonali but are said to believe they cannot match the financial power of English clubs. This could give Arsenal an unchallenged opportunity to sign the ex-AC Milan star, although Newcastle are unlikely to approve departures for both midfielders without securing a high-quality replacement.

Esposito's agent offers update

Arsenal may be considering changes to their forward line this summer, amid uncertainty over the futures of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli. Inter Milan's Pio Esposito is one player who has been mentioned following a breakout season at both club and international level which has positioned him as a star of the future.

The 20-year-old Italy international returned to the San Siro after a successful loan spell at second-tier Spezia last season. He has already netted eight times in all competitions for Inter, as well as scoring three goals in five senior international appearances for the Azzurri.

Mario Giuffredi, the player's representative, has confirmed that Arsenal are fans of the young talent. However, he indicated that a move is not imminent.

"Despite Arsenal's interest, our plans are clear," he stated on Radio CRC. "He's happy at Inter and will be the future of the Nerazzurri for the next 10 years. The boy is in love with Inter."