Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has encouraged his old side to rival Arsenal for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, with the Magpies dismissing transfer speculation
Stephen Killen Senior Sport Central Audience Writer and Isaac Seelochan Senior Sports Journalist
17:54, 02 Feb 2026
Sandro Tonali in action for Newcastle United
Sandro Tonali has been linked with Arsenal on deadline day(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has urged his old club to compete with Arsenal for Newcastle's midfielder Sandro Tonali.
The Italian has been linked with a deadline day switch to the Emirates. Reports surfaced on Monday morning suggesting the Gunners were considering an approach for the Italian midfielder. Sky Germany claimed talks had taken place regarding a potential transfer to Arsenal before Monday's deadline.
The reported interest comes after an injury to Spain international Mikel Merino, who requires foot surgery. However, securing one of Newcastle's key players always seemed improbable, and the Magpies have quickly dismissed any suggestion of the 25-year-old's exit, labelling the speculation "complete rubbish."
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Tonali signed an initial five-year contract following his move 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 breaching 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 turned out over 50 times for the Reds – has proposed that his former club Liverpool should consider pursuing Tonali in 2026.
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant looks on
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has had his say on Sandro Tonali(Image: Getty Images)
And he reckons an £80 million ($109 million) offer is what would be required to bring Newcastle to the negotiating table.
Pennant told the Liverpool 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 £80 million minimum to try and get him and I don't think that's what you pay for a stop-gap.
"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."
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Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe confirmed on Saturday evening, following the 4-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, that the only player who might leave the club before tonight's deadline was Jamaal Lascelles.
And when pressed about potential new arrivals, the Newcastle manager responded: "No."
Liverpool's sole activity on deadline day appears likely to be the capture of 20-year-old Rennes center-back Jeremy Jacquet ahead of a summer move. A deal has been struck with confirmation potentially set to arrive in the coming hours before the Frenchman's summer arrival.