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Arsenal are in discussions to land Newcastle star Sandro Tonali (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal are reportedly in talks to sign Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali in a stunning deadline-day move.
The Premier League leaders have been forced to scour the January transfer market after learning that they will be without Mikel Merino for a ‘considerable period’ due to a foot injury.
Merino played no part in Arsenal’s 4-0 thumping of Leeds on Saturday afternoon and it was subsequently confirmed that the Spaniard will be forced to undergo surgery.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News this morning, Sky Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg revealed ‘top sources’ had informed him that the Gunners were exploring a possible deal for Tonali.
He claimed the 25-year-old Italy international had been the subject of ‘direct talks’ in the last couple of hours.
But for now, the proposed signing is deemed ‘very very difficult’ to finalise given Newcastle have not given the green light, reluctant to part with such a key player midway through their campaign.
The north London giants have not given up hope, though, and are still pushing to prise the midfielder away from St James’ Park before today’s transfer deadline at 19:00 GMT.
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Arsenal have held ‘direct talks’ for the Italy midfielder (Picture: Getty)
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Tonali is enjoying his third season with Newcastle having completed a £55million move from AC Milan back in 2023.
In that time, Tonali has made 91 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies and was on the winning side last season as Eddie Howe’s men went all the way in the Carabao Cup.
However, the ex-Milan and Brescia midfielder was banned from football for ten months for breaching Italian betting regulations in October 2023, meaning he played just eight league games in his debut season at Newcastle.
Tonali’s current contract in the north east runs through to June 2028, with the option of a further 12 months.
More to follow.
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