Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided insight into the mindset of midfielder Sandro Tonali, following swirling rumours of a potential Deadline Day transfer to Arsenal. The speculation emerged as the Gunners faced a midfield crisis, but Howe has now clarified the player's focus.
Arsenal's Midfield Dilemma Sparks Transfer Talk
Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta hinted at possible reinforcements on Deadline Day, after confirming that midfielder Mikel Merino would require surgery on a foot injury. This setback left the club scrambling for solutions, with Arteta emphasising the need for an immediate impact player to fill the void for the remainder of the season.
In his press conference, Arteta stated: "Of course, when you lose a big player like this in the squad with four months to go and all the competitions to play for, you need to look and we need to do everything that we possibly can to see if we have a player that is available. If we don't, we keep what we have."
Sandro Tonali Emerges as a Target
Early on Deadline Day, links surfaced connecting Sandro Tonali with a move to the Emirates Stadium. The 25-year-old Italian has been a key figure for Newcastle United since his arrival from AC Milan in 2023, making 35 appearances across all competitions this season. His potential exit would have represented a significant blow for the Magpies.
However, the rumours failed to materialise into a concrete offer as the transfer window closed. Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, denied any discussions with Arsenal but acknowledged in an interview with Sky Italia that future talks might occur in March or April, depending on Newcastle's openness to negotiations.
Eddie Howe Addresses the Speculation
Speaking on Tuesday, Eddie Howe directly addressed the transfer gossip, revealing that Tonali's attention was firmly elsewhere. According to Howe, the midfielder was solely focused on Newcastle's upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Howe explained: "His only focus was on Manchester City and trying to win that game so there's absolutely no issue with Sandro himself. He's very happy and committed so I find it difficult to talk about things I don't know too much about. I can only talk about Sandro as the person and player, and his mindset here and now. Having discussed things with him yesterday, he's absolutely fine."
Tonali's Previous Comments on His Future
In November, Sandro Tonali had already touched upon his long-term plans, expressing commitment to Newcastle United while leaving the door open for potential future moves. After a Champions League victory against Athletic Club, he remarked: "This is a tough question because, you know, [in] football you need to think year for year. I don't want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years [or] five years I will go."
This statement highlights the fluid nature of football careers, where players often reassess their situations based on evolving circumstances and opportunities.
Implications for Newcastle United and Arsenal
The failed transfer links underscore the competitive nature of the Premier League, where clubs must navigate injury crises and market dynamics. For Newcastle, retaining Tonali is crucial as they continue their campaign in domestic and European competitions. His presence in midfield provides stability and creativity, which will be vital in their pursuit of silverware.
Meanwhile, Arsenal must now rely on their existing squad to cope with Merino's absence, potentially looking to internal solutions or future transfer windows to bolster their midfield options. The episode serves as a reminder of the high-stakes environment in top-flight football, where rumours can quickly escalate but not always lead to action.
As the season progresses, both clubs will be keen to maintain focus on their objectives, with players like Tonali playing pivotal roles in their respective journeys.
