Sandro Tonali before a Newcastle United game
Sandro Tonali before a Newcastle United game
Arsenal are exploring a move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. That’s according to Germany, who are reporting that talks over a move have taken place in the last couple of hours.
But the report by Florian Plettenberg also claims that although the Gunners are pushing to complete the transfer before tonight’s 7pm deadline, are yet to give the green light to the deal happening. Any move for Tonali appears unlikely, though, given that Magpies boss Eddie Howe said on Saturday night that the only player who could leave the club ahead of tonight’s deadline was Jamaal Lascelles.
Speaking following his side’s 4-1 defeat against at Anfield, Howe said: "The only one who could possibly leave is Jamaal Lascelles." And when asked if there will be any new incomings, the Newcastle boss replied: “No.”
Tonali signed a contract extension during his betting ban, which means his deal will now run until 2029. But the North East club also has the option to trigger an additional 12-month extension to 2030. According to The Chronicle, Newcastle have instantly dismissed any suggestions of the Italian leaving for the Emirates.
The Italy international joined Newcastle on an initial five-year deal after completing a £55m move from AC Milan in July 2023, but he was subsequently banned for 10 months in October of that year by the Italian Federation (FIGC) for breaching betting rules.
[
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners plan deadline day deal but have bid rejected as star says goodbye](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-transfer-news-deadline-day-36653300)
, though, could be on the hunt for midfield reinforcements today, with Mikel Merino set to undergo surgery on a bone injury in his right foot in the coming days. Confirming the injury, a club statement read: "Mikel will have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme.
"Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season. Everyone is fully focused on supporting Mikel to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."
While Merino said: "Time to stop now with a foot injury. Sometimes life throws this kind of challenges when is less convenient.
"Just another opportunity to be strong, resilient and overcome it. We have the best medical team and together we will come back stronger.
Mikel Merino is facing a spell on the sidelines (
Image:
Getty Images)
"Thank you all, your support means everything to me and I can't wait to be back on the pitch soon, helping my team and doing what I love."
In terms of midfield cover, Arsenal have , Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Kai Havertz as options. The Gunners are currently six points clear at the top of the table after both and slipped up at the weekend.
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