Fabrizio Romano has shared a breaking Arsenal transfer update as he moots the possibility of a "last minute" deadline day transfer at the Emirates.
As things stand, Arsenal are set for one of their quietest deadline days in recent memory despite suffering a devastating injury blow to key midfielder Mikel Merino earlier this week.
Mikel Merino in action for Arsenal
Boss Mikel Arteta expected a calm window after splashing £250 million last summer to build what many reckon is the Premier League's best squad. The Gunners spent big on eight new signings including Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, giving them ridiculous depth across every position.
But Merino's broken foot has completely changed the situation.
The Spanish midfielder requires surgery and will miss several months after fracturing his right foot towards the end of the Man United match. With Ethan Nwaneri also shipped off to Marseille on loan, Arsenal suddenly look short in central midfield.
That sparked wild speculation this morning when Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg reported Arsenal had made a shock late enquiry about Newcastle's Sandro Tonali.
The Italian midfielder became the most expensive Italian footballer ever when he joined the Magpies for £55 million from AC Milan in 2023, though he missed loads of his first season serving a betting ban.
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The Gunners could have a busy deadline day...
Newcastle absolutely slammed the reports, calling them "stupid" and "complete rubbish" on social media.
Sources at St James' Park insisted there's been zero contact from Arsenal and Tonali isn't for sale at any price. The 25-year-old signed a new deal last week running until 2029, making him basically untouchable.
If not Tonali, then who?
Fabrizio Romano shares deadline day transfer update out of Arsenal
According to reliable reporter Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel in the last hour, we cannot rule out a late surprise from the north Londoners.
The reliable journalist hints that Arsenal could still make a 'last minute' signing as we fast approach the transfer cut-off at 7pm, but it won't be Tonali.
"My understanding, guys, is that Arsenal made some calls in the last 24/48 hours for potential loan deals, not signing a superstar like Sandro Tonali," Romano said.
"About the situation of Arsenal, let's see if they find a last minute opportunity, but for sure, not this kind of deal."
Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill suggested from outside Arsenal's London Colney training ground that there could still be some news before the 7pm cutoff, but even he admitted signing Tonali looked virtually impossible.
The only real business Arsenal have done involves youngsters.
Romano confirmed the Gunners opened discussions with Hearts over Scottish teenage striker James Wilson on an initial loan deal. The 18-year-old became Scotland's youngest-ever male international when he debuted against Greece last March.
james-wilson-hearts-scottish-premiership
James Wilson in action for Hearts.
Arsenal sit six points clear at the top after 24 matches following Saturday's thumping 4-0 win over Leeds.
They're also 90 minutes from reaching the Carabao Cup final after Tuesday's semi-final second leg against Chelsea.
Despite Merino's setback, Arteta clearly backs his squad to handle the title run-in without panic buying today.
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Spurs are keen on a new forward.