Maresca’s First Move: Manchester City Ready to Enter €100m Tonali Race

FolioPitch.com – 30 June 2026 | Manchester City ready to enter €100m Tonali race after Maresca appointment, as new manager Enzo Maresca targets the Italy international to bolster his midfield. The newly-appointed head coach, who officially took over at the Etihad Stadium earlier this week, has reportedly identified Newcastle United‘s Sandro Tonali as a priority signing for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Premier League champions are prepared to rival Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal for the 26-year-old. City’s interest comes amid plans to replace the departing Bernardo Silva and provide cover for Rodri, who is set to miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign due to surgery. Manchester City ready to enter 100m Tonali race after Maresca appointment signals a significant shift in their transfer strategy following the end of Pep Guardiola’s era.

Maresca’s arrival was finalized after a compensation package of around €20 million with Chelsea, following his turbulent exit from Stamford Bridge in January. The Italian coach is now eager to reshape City’s midfield, and Tonali is seen as a perfect fit. The former AC Milan star has impressed since moving to Newcastle in 2023, and his ability to dictate play from deep aligns with Maresca’s tactical vision.

Tottenham, under Roberto De Zerbi, have already seen a €92 million bid rejected by Newcastle and are expected to increase their offer to nearly €100 million. Arsenal are also monitoring the situation, making this a three-horse race. However, City’s financial muscle and Champions League appeal could give them an edge. Manchester City ready to enter 100m Tonali race after Maresca appointment underscores the club’s intent to remain competitive domestically and in Europe.

The potential deal would further complicate an already busy transfer window for City, who have also agreed a British-record €134 million fee for Newcastle’s Elliot Anderson. That move, combined with a Tonali pursuit, would represent a massive overhaul of the squad that won the Premier League under Guardiola. The club believes Maresca’s relationships with Italian players could be key to securing Tonali’s signature.

Newcastle, however, are under no pressure to sell, having built their project around the Italian midfielder. A fee exceeding €100 million—possibly around €110 million—would test their resolve. For City, the tag is seen as a worthwhile investment for a player who can control games and provide defensive solidity. Manchester City ready to enter 100m Tonali race after Maresca appointment is a clear statement of their ambition.

As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on the Etihad. Maresca’s first major test in the market could set the tone for his tenure. If successful, Tonali would join a midfield that already includes Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Rodri, creating one of the most formidable units in European football. The coming weeks will reveal whether City can fend off Premier League rivals and secure the Italian’s services.

In conclusion, Manchester City ready to enter 100m Tonali race after Maresca appointment marks a new chapter in the club’s recruitment strategy. With Maresca at the helm, the club is poised to make significant moves that could reshape the landscape of English football. The Tonali saga will be one of the most closely watched stories of the transfer window.