Guiseppe Riso says Newcastle has always been seen as a stepping stone to a bigger club.
Riso said: "The deal came about because a club like Newcastle with unlimited financial resources had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league.”
On a possible move to potentially Arsenal or Manchester City, Riso continued: “Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world.
“If he shines at the World Cup, will City or Arsenal be hot on his heels? I don’t know (laughs), but it’s very likely. Everyone is waiting for the World Cup; then a thousand scenarios will unfold, but it all kicks off after the World Cup."
Tonali's deal with Newcastle runs to 2028 with an option to 2029.