Speculation surrounding Sandro Tonali briefly gathered pace after reports suggested Arsenal explored a late move before the transfer deadline, though those claims were quickly dismissed by Newcastle officials.
The rumours emerged following an injury to Mikel Merino, which appeared to leave Arsenal light in midfield options and triggered talk of an ambitious last-minute approach.
Newcastle responded by labelling the claims as “complete rubbish,” while Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, made it clear there had been no contact whatsoever regarding a January switch.
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He stated: “Newcastle were never gonna let Tonali leave in January.
“There’s absolutely nothing into it. We didn’t even talk about it.”
Summer Possibility Could Complicate Midfield Plans
Despite the January dismissal, reports suggest that Mikel Arteta remains an admirer of the Italian and could revisit the situation in the summer transfer window.
Arteta is said to view Tonali as an ideal partner for Declan Rice, believing the pair could form a powerful and technically balanced midfield core.
However, such a move could create complications for Martin Zubimendi, who has already established a strong partnership with Rice in Arsenal’s current system.
Deploying all three regularly would present tactical challenges, meaning one player could find minutes limited if the transfer ever materialised.
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Competition And Contract Situation Add Complexity
Interest in Tonali is not believed to be limited to Arsenal, with both Manchester City and Chelsea reportedly monitoring developments ahead of the summer window.
Tonali signed a five-year deal after his £55 million move from AC Milan in 2023, and later extended his contract during a 10-month suspension related to betting rule breaches.
That extension now runs until 2029, with Newcastle holding an option to extend it further to 2030, significantly strengthening their negotiating position.
Tonali himself has remained calm about transfer speculation and previously addressed rumours linking him with a return to Italy.
He stated: “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.
“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.”