Mikel Arteta picks first Arsenal signing after winning the Premier League

Just hours after winning the Premier League, topping off a satisfying seven-year conquest for greatness, Mikel Arteta has already turned his focus away from the celebrations and towards retaining the trophy.

Arsenal was handed the Premier League trophy on a silver platter after Manchester City fell short to Champions League-hunting Bournemouth.

But it topped off a season of robust defensive structure, which was used as a catalyst for their winning formula.

Already, this solidarity is looking to be bolstered, as Mikel Arteta is looking to bring in a mobile defensive midfielder to sit alongside Declan Rice, and the Arsenal boss has found his man.

Arsenal pip Juve as frontrunners for Sandro Tonali

Having managed to paper over the cracks left by an out-of-form Martin Zubimendi and midfielder-turned-target man Mikel Merino, Arteta has reportedly identified Sandro Tonali as a Premier League-proven talent that would be an ideal fit for the club.

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Currently contracted to Newcastle, Italian outlets have reported that Tonali is unsettled in the North East and would like to return to a Champions League outfit.

Newcastle is also forced to sell this summer, having failed to secure revenue by qualifying for Europe, and the £60m price tag on Tonali's head could be a good way to raise reinvestments.

Tonali has operated in the deep-lying midfielder role for Newcastle in exceptional fashion in his two years as a Magpie, and it's attracted the attention of the top clubs around Europe.

At the top of the tree, according to Totto Juve is Arsenal. The Italian publication claims that Juve is out of the race, with Tonali enjoying the Premier League.

The report suggests that Arteta is a huge fan of Tonali's 'intensity, balance, and leadership,' and believes he'd slot in well with such a competitive squad.

This might spell the end for some Arsenal talent, though, such as Christian Nørgaard, who will be happy enough to secure a Premier League medal, despite a lack of action following his move from Brentford.

Manchester United is another club in contention for his signature, as their midfield options start and end with Kobbie Mainoo in 2026/27, given Casemiro's exit and Urgate's underperformance.

United are also keen on Elliot Anderson and could have a trio of deeper midfielders to rotate as they now contend with Champions League fixture congestion.

Newcastle is unwilling to sell Tonali this window, hoping to retain their best players. But with financial fair play breathing down their necks, it might be a case of letting go of their beloved midfielder.