Could Sandro Tonali be on the move?placeholder image
Could Sandro Tonali be on the move? | Getty Images
The Gunners have been linked with a head-turning late move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali on Deadline Day.
Mikel Arteta was without Mikel Merino for the 4-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday and the Spain international is set to be out for ‘an extended period’. The 29-year-old is only expected back in training shortly prior to the end of the campaign.
That’s a huge blow for Arsenal given the midfielder’s versatility. Merino can play in the middle of the park, as well as being able to lead the line and contribute important goals in a striker role.
Arsenal linked with Newcastle United midfielder
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, a trusted source when it comes to transfer news, had claimed that Arsenal could look to make a transfer offer to Newcastle United for Tonali as a result of the Merino injury. He said on X: “Arsenal are exploring a surprising Deadline Day move for Sandro Tonali. Very difficult at this stage, as Newcastle have rejected an initial approach.”
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023 for a fee in the region of £55m. He was banned from playing football for 10 months during his first season for breaching betting regulations.
He returned last campaign and quickly established himself as a key player for the Magpies. He has made 92 appearances for Newcastle, with seven goals and eight assists from defensive midfield. This season, he has already racked up 35 appearances but has yet to score.
Craig Hope provides Sandro Tonali transfer update
Now, Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has given his thoughts on the potential transfer move. Hope’s words will come as somewhat of a blow for any Arsenal supporters keen for Deadline Day activity.
He wrote: “There has been a little bit of panic among Newcastle’s fan base this morning after reports from the continent of Arsenal making a move for Sandro Tonali.
“Well, this may put some minds at ease… my sources on Tyneside and in Italy say it is news to them. There has, I’m told, been no contact and, even if there was later in the day, Tonali is NOT for sale!”
When asked about his future after Newcastle United beat Athletic Club 2-0 in the Champions League back in November, he said: "This is a tough question because, you know, [in] football you need to think year for year.
"I don't want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years [or] five years I will go."
In other news, David Ornstein: Arsenal could strike late January transfer deal with Gunners 'surveying' the market.
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