Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali was linked with a move to Arsenal on transfer deadline day, but a move for the Italian failed to materialise, although could be looked at again in the summer
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta raises his arm
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is said to be a fan of Sandro Tonali (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is reportedly a huge admirer of Sandro Tonali amid surprise transfer links with the Newcastle United midfielder. The Italian was suddenly linked with a deadline day switch to the Emirates Stadium.
Reports surfaced on Monday morning indicating that the Gunners were considering an approach for Tonali. Sky Germany suggested that talks had occurred regarding a possible move to Arsenal before Monday's 7pm deadline - however, a move failed to materialise.
The rumoured interest came following an injury to Spain international Mikel Merino, who needs foot surgery. Nevertheless, extracting one of Newcastle's top players always seemed improbable, and the Magpies quickly rubbished any suggestion of the 25-year-old's exit, describing the rumours as "complete rubbish".
Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, also confirmed later in the day that no talks had taken place with the Gunners. He said: “Newcastle were never gonna let Tonali leave in January.
"There’s absolutely nothing into it. We didn’t even talk about it.”
But a possible summer move is not off the cards, and The Sun report that Arteta is an avid admirer. It is said that the Spaniard would love to pair him with Declan Rice in the middle of the park and add him to his ranks in north London.
That could spell worrying news for summer signing Martin Zubimendi, though, given Arsenal would be unlikely to field all three in the midfield for most matches.
In addition to Arsenal's interest, it is reported that the Gunners would face a huge battle to land the star. It is claimed that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is another big fan, although the Catalan's future at the Etihad beyond this summer remains uncertain, while Chelsea are also apparently tracking his situation.
Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali was the subject of news on transfer deadline day(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
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.
The Italy international 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.
Tonali has offered no indication of his next move but previously admitted he could eventually head back to Milan. In early 2025, he dismissed reports of a possible transfer to Juventus and insisted he wasn't looking for a move, despite admitting he had unfinished business at the San Siro.
He said: "I've grown, discovered a new country, a new style of football and a new language. I have no regrets. The idea of returning to Milan one day is there but it's not the first thing on my mind when I wake up in the morning.
"My agents and I have never even talked about it [Juventus interest]. And I know from experience that if you don't reach that stage, there's nothing concrete. Besides, I feel good here. I've found my path and there's no need to disrupt it again. I want to win for Newcastle fans; soon, we'll have our first chance at Wembley."
Content Image
Content Image