Chelsea tell club they want to sign their ‘unbelievable’ 23-year-old this summer, compared to Pirlo

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Chelsea have told AC Milan that they would like to sign Sandro Tonali this summer – although Newcastle are also lurking.

That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

So, what are the details involving Chelsea and Sandro Tonali? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, the Italian news outlet believe Chelsea have spoken to AC Milan and informed the Serie A side about their desire to sign the Italy international.

The Blues allegedly told the Italian giants that they would be willing to include a few players in the deal as well as a cash offer, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic named by Gazzetta dello Sport.

Newcastle have already offered Tonali a contract worth €8m-a-year (£6.9m) and are ready to bid €60m (£52m) to secure his signature.

Therefore, Chelsea have a serious challenger for the 23-year-old’s signature, especially as Newcastle can offer him the chance to continue playing Champions League football.

Tonali finds himself on the radar of Chelsea and Newcastle after enjoying a superb 2022/23 campaign, scoring two goals and providing ten assists in all competitions as AC Milan finished fourth and reached the Champions League Semi-Final.

Chelsea could get the next Andrea Pirlo in Sandro Tonali

Tonali is not exactly a household name – yet – so you may not be too aware of his talents.

If that is the case, a comparison to a better known player might help, and he has been likened to one of the greatest – Andrea Pirlo.

Not only does Tonali have the same hairstyle as the legendary playmaker, but he has also made a name for himself as a similarly gifted technician who can orchestrate a game with his passing skills.

Federico Balzaretti – who played alongside Pirlo for Italy – has discussed these comparisons, and claimed that Tonali is arguably a more physical presence as well.

The 41-year-old told Goal: “It would be a great, great partnership because he is more physical maybe than Pirlo. It’s impressive. It’s unbelievable. He is an incredible player. He is ready to play for a top, top club in Europe.”

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Gazzetta dello Sport add that Tonali is set to make a decision on his future soon.