EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been surprisingly linked with Arsenal on transfer deadline day, and now Liverpool have been encouraged to go in for him
Sandro Tonali in action for Newcastle United
Sandro Tonali has been linked with Arsenal on deadline day (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
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Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has encouraged his old side to rival Arsenal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Italian has been linked with a deadline day move to the Emirates Stadium.
Reports emerged on Monday morning suggesting the Gunners were weighing up an approach for the Italian midfielder. Sky Germany claimed discussions had taken place regarding a potential transfer to Arsenal ahead of Monday's 7pm deadline. The reported interest follows an injury to Spain international Mikel Merino, who requires foot surgery.
However, prising away one of Newcastle's key assets always appeared unlikely, and the Magpies have swiftly dismissed any notion of the 25-year-old's departure, branding the speculation "complete rubbish".
Tonali penned an initial five-year contract after his £55m switch from AC Milan in July 2023, though he subsequently received a 10-month suspension from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in October that year for violating betting regulations.
Tonali agreed a contract extension whilst serving his betting ban, meaning his current deal runs until 2029, with Newcastle holding an option for a further 12-month extension through to 2030.
However, speaking on behalf of BetSelect.co.uk, Pennant – who made over 50 appearances for the Reds – has suggested that his old team Liverpool should look at potentially signing Tonali in 2026. And an £80million bid is what he believes is what it would take to lure Newcastle to the table.
He exclusively told the ECHO: “Newcastle are absolutely in no rush to sell. If they want him, Newcastle are going to charge over the odds. You're looking at £80million minimum to try and get him and I don't think that's what you pay for a stop-gap.
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant looks on
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has had his say on Sandro Tonali (Image: 2022 Formula One World Championship Limited)
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"You don't pay those kind of fees for someone just to fill in because someone's injured. If you want him that bad then, he's worth that because he's a fantastic player, you can see what he's done for Newcastle.
"I would like Liverpool maybe to go in for him, play him as that number six or anyway, it will be a nice little addition, but yeah, I don't think Arsenal or Newcastle will be doing business with Tonali."
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe confirmed on Saturday evening, in the wake of the 4-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield, that the only player who might depart the club before tonight's deadline was Jamaal Lascelles.
The 48-year-old said: "The only one who could possibly leave is Jamaal Lascelles." And when asked if there will be any new incomings, the Newcastle boss replied: “No.”
Liverpool's only business on deadline day looks set to be the signing of 20-year-old Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet ahead of a summer transfer.
A £60m deal has been agreed with confirmation potentially set to come in the coming hours before the Frenchman arrives in the summer.
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