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Arsenal have reportedly initiated discussions to lure away the midfielder most desired by Michael Carrick from Manchester United, aiming to bring him to the Emirates Stadium, according to a new report.

Manchester United are preparing to recruit two, and potentially three, central midfielders this summer. Numerous names have been linked to the Red Devils, and their transfer shortlist is already widely known among insiders.

The club is intensifying its pursuit of Atalanta’s Ederson, though internal deliberations are still ongoing about whether to grant final approval for the signing.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are holding off to assess their position with higher-profile targets first.

Aurelien Tchouameni remains a ‘dream’ signing, and reports from Spain suggest that a substantial offer has recently been submitted for the Real Madrid star.

Within the club’s hierarchy, Elliot Anderson has emerged as a preferred option, but Carrick reportedly has other ideas when it comes to his top choice in midfield.

Gianluca Di Marzio recently confirmed that Carrick’s No 1 midfield target is Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.

Romano has also indicated that Manchester United currently view the acquisition of Tonali as ‘really expensive’. Reports from Italy value the midfielder at around €100 million (£86 million), although The Chronicle has suggested an even higher valuation of roughly €116 million (£100 million).

Nevertheless, the potential cost might not deter Manchester United, though developments in Italy suggest a new challenge could emerge.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Arsenal and their sporting director Andrea Berta have entered the race, attempting to hijack Manchester United’s move for Tonali.

The Italian outlet’s headline stated: ‘Arsenal are targeting Tonali for their midfield: talks have already started with Newcastle regarding the Italian’.

The report further noted that Arsenal and Newcastle are in direct communication to discuss the parameters and financial aspects of a potential deal.

There has long been speculation about a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between Newcastle United and Tonali, allowing the 26-year-old to leave for a top European club if the Magpies failed to secure Champions League qualification. After missing out not only on the Champions League but also on any form of European competition, that clause could now come into play.

The Times recently reported that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is determined to introduce a more technically gifted profile to his midfield options ahead of the next campaign.

The Spanish coach is said to have been frustrated by how convincingly Manchester City outplayed his side in the League Cup final, with City’s technical dominance clearly visible throughout the match.

Despite Arsenal later clinching the Premier League title, Arteta is keen to ensure his team exerts complete control across all competitions, and Tonali is seen as an ideal complement to midfielders such as Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

Should Tonali sign for the Gunners, it is expected that Christian Norgaard would make way to accommodate the Italian in Arteta’s midfield setup.