Arsenal have given hope of a summer signing for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali
Arsenal’s rotation strategy has been forced into an unexpected change after an injury to one of its central midfielders.
The Gunners were left scrambling for cover on Deadline Day after Mikel Merino was ruled out for the rest of the campaign, leading to internal discussions about whether to aggressively move in the market or wait until the summer.
In the end, Arsenal chose to hold back. Having already made significant contributions in the transfer window, the club was reluctant to sanction another big fee.
That cautious approach led to widespread speculation, focusing briefly on Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
Arsenal are looking to make a move for Tonali in the winter window
Reports have emerged suggesting Arsenal have made inquiries over Tonali’s arrival late in the window, fueling excitement among fans desperate for an addition to the elite squad.
However, those claims were quickly dropped. Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, dismissed the idea in an interview with Sky Sports, insisting there are no talks with Arsenal and no intention from Newcastle to entertain a January exit.
“We have never had a conversation with Arsenal. Newcastle would not let Tonali leave in January. There is nothing in it,” Riso said.
Although January’s links appear to have been skipped, the episode did nothing to quiet the long-running debate.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano added more clarity, saying a winter move was never on the table but hinting that summer could be a different story.
Romano noted to X that Tonali’s condition is to be monitored at the end of the season, with several clubs already paying attention to his condition.
He wrote:
“Sandro Tonali will never leave Newcastle in January, it’s never possible. He could be one to watch in the summer with a few clubs interested, but it will depend on Newcastle + not the title now.”
Tonali offers great experience, tactical intelligence, and the ability to work in multiple midfield roles and it’s easy to see how Arteta would love a midfielder like him in the squad.
Hackers can check Tonali’s movement during the summer
With the Gunners hoping to mount another title challenge next season, adding a proven player to fill the gap fits their plans.
Newcastle, however, see Tonali as a key figure in their project and are under no pressure to sell.
Only a big offer, combined with the right timing, can bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion.
January has never been the moment for such a deal, but the summer window could reopen negotiations.
The Magpies will reportedly want £80 million for the Italian midfielder, according to the Telegraph.
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