As the winter window heads for its final hours, Newcastle United have at least addressed one of the storylines that surfaced on deadline day.
This time, reports from Italy sealed the supposed link between Sandro Tonali and Arsenal.
The speculation gathered pace in England, where Tonali’s name was floated as a possible option for Arsenal after a serious injury to Mikel Merino, who is now expected to miss the rest of the season. As often happens on the final day, the rumour travelled fast, despite Newcastle United’s clear stance on the midfielder.
Speaking to Italian press from the Sheraton hotel, where agents and directors gather on deadline day, Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso played down the whole idea. As relayed by Gianluca Di Marzio, he stressed that Newcastle have no intention of opening the door in January and rejected suggestions of any talks with Arsenal.
“Tonali? Newcastle are not letting Sandro go in January. We have not spoken with Arsenal about this opportunity,” Riso said. He also brushed aside other rumours, adding: “Juventus? Now is not the time to talk about it.”
In the end it had plenty of noise, but little substance. Tonali remains part of Newcastle United’s plans, while Arsenal continue to reshuffle after Merino’s injury.
This particular story appears to be just another late-window tale that fades as the clock runs down. But ahead of the summer? Expect to see a lot of Juventus links.