Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali has been linked with a loan move to Arsenal, but the Gunners could find further competition if interest is reignited in the summer
Sandro Tonali was the subject of speculation on transfer deadline day (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Arsenal could be caught up in a three-club battle for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, who is rumored to be set to leave St James’ Park in January.
The midfielder remains a key figure for the Magpies, but his performances have also attracted attention from some of the club’s Premier League rivals. There were reports that Tonali was offered to the Gunners in the closing stages.
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta considered a move for the Italian but chose not to make contact with Newcastle. However, Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso told Sky Italia that Tonali wanted to clear the air by mixing up the ideas he had presented to the player.
He said: “I didn’t have any conversations with Arsenal. Newcastle had no intention of letting Tonali leave in January. It had nothing to do with it. We didn’t even talk about it.”
The Sun now reports that Manchester City are interested in the former AC Milan star, who could cost as much as £100m if he leaves Newcastle. Etihad officials have praised the Newcastle players, who are also being closely watched by Tino Livramento.
read more: Newcastle manager reacts to Arsenal drama, silence on Sandro Tonali transfer broken by Eddie Howeread more: Mikel Arteta’s personal feelings on Sandro Tonali transfer and his plans at Arsenal
Chelsea are also said to be interested, and Tonali appears to fit the profile of the player they are looking for. Their midfield duo currently includes Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo, and there have been rumors that the Argentine could be on the move. If that happens, the Blues could pursue Tonali.
Mr Tonali and his wife Juliet, who recently gave birth to a son, are both living happily in the North East and are understood to be not actively looking for an exit. The midfielder also has a close relationship with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and remains grateful to the club for supporting him during his 10-month gambling ban.
Arsenal considered signing the Italian midfielder but ultimately decided against it (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Tonali helped Newcastle reach the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in recent years and was instrumental in winning the Carabao Cup last season.
If the Magpies fail to qualify for Europe, which remains a realistic possibility, a number of key players, including Tonali, could be called into question. He has formed a great partnership with Bruno Guimarães, and both players have been linked with moves.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
