Sandro Tonali is a genuine wonderkid.
There’s not many 18 year olds playing second division football who are called up by their national team, especially when that national team happens to be Italy.
The midfielder has played all eleven of Brescia’s matches in Serie B so far this season, and managed to score in the last one against Verona. He didn’t get on the pitch for Italy, but Mancini calling him up is a huge signal.
Of course, this is all bringing interest, and several Serie A clubs are keen. The interest is outside of Italy too, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting clubs in the Premier League are keen – ‘especially the Chelsea of Maurizio Sarri’.
It makes some sense, Sarri is Italian, the link is obvious.
Gazzetta have made a percentage wheel to show the chances interested clubs have. Whilst Chelsea may be the PL’s keenest side, it doesn’t mean they’re pushing ahead.
The Blues get 20%, Inter 30%, Juve 30%, Roma 10% and Napoli 10%.
Brescia’s owner Massimo Cellino has already made it clear he’ll only sell to a club which is right for his young star, it won’t be purely about money.
Cellino, who used to own Leeds United, is hardly going to send Tonali to Stamford Bridge if he feels endless loans will follow.
A stay in Italy is the likeliest scenario and probably the best.
