Sandro Tonali was reportedly offered to Arsenal at the end of the January transfer window, and the midfielder’s agent has opened up about his client’s plans.
Sandro Tonali could leave Newcastle in the summer (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Sandro Tonali could leave Newcastle in the summer transfer window as he wants to continue playing in the Champions League next season. The Italian international was reportedly uncertain about the January transfer window and had been offered by Arsenal, but now his agent has spoken about his future plans.
Tonali was reportedly given a warning by Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta late in the season in January. The Gunners made no move for the 25-year-old midfielder, but his desire to explore his options has ruffled feathers on Tyneside.
Manager Eddie Howe was forced to address Tonali’s potential headache ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City. But the sight of Tonali trudging out of the Etihad Stadium after a 5-1 aggregate defeat didn’t help matters.
According to The Athletic, Tonali’s agent contacted Berta to discuss a possible transfer. Although that result did not materialise, the player, who was signed from AC Milan for £55m in 2023, could leave in the summer, according to his agent Giuseppe Rizzo. In addition to Arsenal, Manchester City, Juventus and Chelsea are also thought to be monitoring the situation.
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“Newcastle is having a hard time letting Sandro go. He wants to lead the club to the Champions League,” Riso told Tuttosport. “We will evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. Transfer talks will take place later. We will see how the season ends and then decide what to do.”
He added: “There is no priority at the moment. It is still too early. What we say today will not apply tomorrow. Newcastle cannot afford to let him go now and there is no point in moving him, especially since Sandro is attached to the club.”
Manager Alan Shearer has warned his former club that they could lose key players such as Tonali, who is under contract until June 2028, in the summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. The Magpies will play a two-legged play-off against Qarabag in a bid to advance to the last 16, but they are in 11th place in the Premier League, far outside the qualification spots.
Sandro Tonali wants to stay in the Champions League (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
“As far as I know, we have a player who is an outstanding football player and an outstanding person,” Howe said when asked about Tonali earlier this week. “He’s very happy here, he has a great relationship with me and my team-mates and inside he seems really happy.
“It would surprise me[if Tonali becomes unstable]but our best players always attract attention from other clubs. That’s the reality of football.”
“We want to keep the group together, we want to be progressive and Sandro is part of that. Putting it all together, I think we’re fine, but we don’t have everything under control. We certainly had no intention of losing Sandro on our side. He’s a very important player for what we’re doing. He’s very happy here.”
“He’s totally fine. I spoke to him yesterday (Monday) and he’s completely focused on playing for us. His only focus is on Man City and winning that game. There’s nothing wrong with Sandro himself, he’s committed.”
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