The 24-year-old central midfielder craves competing on the big stage, and it remains in the balance whether Juventus can score a place in next season’s highly lucrative Champions League.
Should the Bianconeri be excluded from Europe’s leading club competition, then plans for top class players to arrive in the summer could be scuppered.
Without Champions League on offer, many stars will not find a switch to the Turin titans an attractive proposition. The club would lack the financial muscle to make big name signings, such as former AC Milan ace Tonali.
When Tonali joined Newcastle on a five-year deal for €64.7 million (US$73.6m) in 2023, he became the most costly Italian soccer transfer of all time. His explosive form at no6 with AC Milan alerted cash-rich Newcastle to his talents.
Newcastle’s statement signing soon got derailed as he was slapped with a 10-month betting ban by Italian soccer authorities.
European giants
He has bounced back with such aplomb for club and country after an enforced absence. His eye-catching displays, by being utilised in a deep midfielder role this season by manager Eddie Howe, have not gone unnoticed by a plethora of teams.
European giants such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are clamoring to sign him.
Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has been in touch this year with Tonali's entourage, to delve into the possibilities of bringing him back to Serie A.
Juve were looking at a swap deal this summer, with midfielder Douglas Luiz and striker Dusan Vlahovic going in the other direction to the Premier League highfliers.
Italian media has touted that Tonali’s price tag is €80m (£68.6m), which appears unrealistically cheap. Newcastle would only consider a three figure sum for their prized asset, bearing in mind his formidable form, although the club have no immediate plans to sell Tonali.
Trophy winner
He has played a pivotal role for Newcastle this term, helping them lift the Carabao Cup and move to third place in the Premier League with four matches remaining. A top five finish would be enough to secure a Champions League berth next term.
Newcastle are in no hurry to sell Tonali, and the only glimmer teams have of prising him away from St. James’ Park is if Howe’s side miss out on next season’s Champions League.
For Juventus to be a viable landing spot for Tonali, interim head coach Igor Tudor needs to secure a top four finish and for Newcastle to slip out of the top five.
There’s also the issue of who Juve appoint as head coach for next term, will could be a deal breaker if Newcastle cannot offer Champions League soccer to Tonali.