Sandro Tonali had spoken about leaving Newcastle even before being linked with Arsenal on transfer deadline day
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle applauds their fans following the UEFA Champions League, phase match 8, between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle at Parc des Princes on January 28, 2026, in Paris, France.
Arsenal were linked with a shock move for Sandro Tonali on transfer deadline day(Image: Anadolu, Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Sandro Tonali admitted he could eventually head back to AC Milan before being linked with a shock transfer to Arsenal on deadline day. Sky Sport Germany reported on Monday morning that the Gunners were exploring a surprise move for the Newcastle United midfielder ahead of the window's closure.
It was claimed the Magpies had turned down an initial enquiry from the league leaders for their 25-year-old Italian international, who arrived in the summer of 2023 for a reported £55million.
Yet, multiple outlets, including Sky Sports News themselves, have since dismissed those claims, stating Newcastle have received no contact and aren't anticipating an Arsenal bid. Tonali is not available for sale and remains under contract until summer 2029, with the possibility to extend the deal by a year.
Tonali, who ranks among Eddie Howe's most important players, has always maintained his contentment in the north east. But he has discussed returning to AC Milan in the future on multiple occasions.
The Italian's sudden exit from the Serie A giants was unexpected in 2023, considering he was seen by some as a future club captain. 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 in Milan.
Tonali 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."
He continued: "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."
Newcastle United transfer target Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali wants to return to AC Milan some day(Image: Getty)
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Tonali proved instrumental in bringing Newcastle's lengthy long drought to an end with a victory against Liverpool in the EFL Cup final shortly afterwards. However, later that year, he once more left the door open for a potential San Siro return.
He told Vivo Azzurro: "You can never know what will happen, I tell everyone it's possible. I'm not closing the door on Italy; it's my country. Maybe not now because I've found my balance at Newcastle but the league is getting better and better, the level of the teams is rising."
However, The Telegraph reported Tonali had little desire to leave the Premier League side, attributing his commitment to the unwavering support he received from the club during his ten-month ban for breaching betting rules relating to matches in Italy.
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