Eddie Howe has revealed that he spoke to Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali about a potential move to Arsenal on deadline day, but insists the player is happy at St James' Park.
The Gunners were linked with a stunning move for the Italy international on Monday following a season-ending injury to Mikel Merino, as Mikel Arteta's side look to continue their push for a first Premier League title since 2004. However, shortly after the story emerged, Newcastle shut it down, insisting the player wasn't for sale and no talks had been held.
It emerged later in the evening that the player had been offered to the Emirates Stadium hierarchy by his agents, and a deal was explored, which has sparked some concern in the north-east that Tonali and his camp could be angling for a move away from the Magpies in the summer.
Newcastle Not Planning Tonali Sale
Sandro Tonali
Tonali has been a key member of the Newcastle side this season, starting 21 of his 24 appearances in the Premier League for Eddie Howe's side. He has also played three times in the Carabao Cup this season, and the team are currently preparing for a semi-final second leg clash with Man City, having lost the first leg 2-0 at home.
But when asked about the situation regarding Tonali's future in his pre-match press conference, Howe admitted that things may be happening behind the scenes without his knowledge, but he believes the player is totally focused on Newcastle and having spoke to him, doesn't believe the speculation is affecting him.
"As one of our best players, he’s always going to be attracting glances — that’s the reality of football. All encompassed, I don’t see an issue, but I’m not in control of everything," he said.
"Sandro is absolutely fine. I had a discussion with him yesterday. He’s focused on the here and the now, and playing for us. Talking to him yesterday, his only focus was on Man City and trying to win that game. He’s happy and committed. There’s absolutely no issue with Sandro himself.
“I find it difficult to talk about things that I don’t know too much about. I can only talk about Sandro as the person and the player, and his mindset. Having discussed things with him yesterday, he’s absolutely fine.”
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