Arsenal were linked with a late move for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali in the January transfer window and it appears that the Gunners could face competition should they renew their interest
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer has had his say on Sandro Tonali's future(Image: Getty Images)
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Arsenal look set to face competition for January target Sandro Tonali from Juventus should they make a fresh move. The Gunners were linked with a deadline day move for the Italian midfielder following Mikel Merino’s injury.
In the end, a deal did not come to fruition, with Newcastle managing to hold onto their star midfielder. But it appears that an exit from St James’ Park could well be on the cards after all.
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have installed the former AC Milan midfielder as their top transfer target ahead of the summer. That interest comes after Newcastle hero Alan Shearer suggested that Tonali could indeed be on the move.
"Sandro Tonali hasn't hit the heights he was at last season, but I guess what'll happen is, if Newcastle aren't going to qualify for Europe or be competitive in the Premier League, you'd expect other clubs will look at Newcastle and try to buy their best players," Shearer told Betfair.
"Although it was a surprise in the January window, I think it'll happen more in the summer if Newcastle don't achieve what they have in the past few years. Top players want to play Champions League football, and we know there's no real loyalty in football - I'm not saying Tonali will do anything like that, but we know if clubs don't get into European places, other clubs will try and pick players up.
"Newcastle have to start winning games and go far in the FA Cup and hopefully the Champions League to try and rescue what, at the minute, certainly Premier League wise, has been a disappointing return. I know we got to a semi-final and all those years ago we'd craved for that but then the money that's been spent and put into the club and where the club wants to go to, at the minute it's been disappointing."
Tonali, 25, joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023 for £52m. He has gone on to make 93 appearances for Eddie Howe ’s side, scoring on seven occasions.
Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali was linked with a move to Arsenal late in the January window(Image: Getty Images)
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He has two-and-a-half years left on his Newcastle contract. Speaking about the midfielder earlier this week, Newcastle boss Howe said: "I can only talk about Sandro as the person and player, and his mindset here and now. Having discussed things with him yesterday, he's absolutely fine."
Tonali will be back in action this weekend as Newcastle welcome Brentford to St James' Park on Saturday evening.
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