Article body analysed
Join The Club for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation plus sign you up to our newsletter.
By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over,
have read our
Privacy Policy
and agree to the
Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.
Newcastle United were blindsided by reports linking Sandro Tonali to Arsenal on transfer deadline day
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Newcastle were adamant that no approach had been made by Arsenal with regard to Italian playmaker Sandro Tonali on deadline day - but as is often the case, there's no smoke without fire in the transfer market. While Newcastle were never going to entertain Tonali's sale, especially at such a late stage of the window, whether or not official contact was made, where the links supposedly originated from is cause for concern. According to The Athletic, Tonali was shopped around by his agent, who was reportedly in contact with Arsenal director of football Andrea Berta, but an approach was not made by the North London club.
Despite the fact Tonali's agent has refuted the reporting of respected football journalist David Ornstein, even if there is a hint of truth to the rumours, it suggests the Italian may not be entirely happy at St. James' Park. Most likely the case is Tonali's agent has seen an opportunity to move his client on, albeit at an inopportune time, and rather clumsily, due to the probability Newcastle will not qualify for the Champions League next season. Coupled with Tonali's strong season to date and the remaining duration on his contract, there has been a transfer of power from club to player.
The Italy midfielder has 18 months left to run on his Newcastle contract and has, until now, appeared content on Tyneside. The 25-year-old recently welcomed his first child with his partner and is playing regularly under Eddie Howe for the Magpies who sit ninth in the Premier League table. With the World Cup around the corner, and Italy likely to qualify via the UEFA play-off route, Tonali could put himself in the shop window this summer. Although, any sporting director worth their salt will be aware of the Italian's faculties, having demonstrated them consistently for Newcastle over the past few seasons. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Any Tonali exit would be complicated by the fact his current employer stood by him when he spent 10 months on the sidelines after being found guilty of gambling offences. The player has gone on record to share his gratitude towards the club and its supporters, therefore seeking a move away in the manner it appears his agent has, would serve as a slap in the face to the Geordie hierarchy, and Tonali's legion of fans. In the summer, the Newcastle midfielder will have 12 months remaining on his deal, therefore it is paramount the club tie him down to an extension, likely with improved terms, in the near future.
His agent's deadline day skulduggery could be perceived as a tactic to persuade Newcastle into tabling a more lucrative contract than has already been proposed behind closed doors. Nevertheless, if Newcastle are unable to secure Champions League football, there is a realistic chance a player of Tonali's calibre will be on the transfer shortlists of many leading European clubs. If Tonali's agent is in fact advertising his services to teams, such as Arsenal who could soon be Premier League champions, it promises to make contract renegotiations all the more difficult for Newcastle in the interim. Joe joined Four Four Two as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
©
Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury,
Bath
BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.
Please login or signup to comment
Please wait. ..