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Sandro Tonali has made 92 appearances for Newcastle United Manager Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali is "very happy" at Newcastle United after the midfielder was linked with a move to Arsenal. A report emerged on deadline day suggesting the Premier League leaders were exploring a move for Tonali, but Newcastle said the midfielder was not for sale and that there had been no contact. Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, denied speaking to Arsenal but, in an interview with Sky Italia, he was asked about the club's valuation and said "that's something we will do in March or April if Newcastle are open to it". Howe spoke to Tonali on Monday and said the Italian was "absolutely focused on the here and now and playing for us" as the holders prepare for Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City. "His only focus was on Manchester City and trying to win that game so there's absolutely no issue with Sandro himself, " he said. "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 made it clear he was "happy" at Newcastle, in November, but said it was "difficult" to think long-term. The Italian initially signed a five-year deal when he joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023. Tonali was keen to repay the faith Newcastle showed in him during his betting ban - when he was unable to play for 10 months - and went on to sign a new one-year deal. Newcastle also have an option to trigger an additional 12-month extension to 2030, which puts the club in a strong position. Although Newcastle lost Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer, Howe feels the club are now better placed to "navigate those waters in a much calmer, clearer way" following the arrival of sporting director Ross Wilson. "Our best players are always going to attract glances from other clubs, " he added. "That's just the reality of football. "We want to keep the group together. We want to keep progressing and, of course, Sandro plays a part in that in trying to hit his best levels and play as well as he can to help the team. "All encompassed, I don't see an issue but I'm not in control of everything. " Latest Newcastle news, analysis and fan views Ask about Newcastle - what do you want to know? Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Infantino 'infantile' for wanting to lift Russia ban What is going on with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia? What impact might 'unprecedented' Six Nations schedule have? Watch every gripping episode of The Night Manager Graham Norton discusses being invited to Taylor Swift's wedding Four women join forces to expose a dangerous predator Olympian Keely Hodgkinson on the mindset behind her success What impact might 'unprecedented' Six Nations schedule have? 'Don't be afraid of being different, it's your superpower' Is the Australian Open still the 'Happy Slam'? Just seven signings - the Premier League's quiet deadline day 'Strong and smart' - Liverpool's £60m man, who can 'become like Van Dijk' In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week All the done deals on deadline day in one place Will Seahawks stop Patriots' record bid? Lowdown on Super Bowl 2026 Two club-record signings - but are Palace papering over the cracks? Six Nations preview & BBC pundit predictions 'Complacent and lost control' - Man City's second-half problem 'If Arsenal don't win title now the blame will be entirely their own' Happy tennis, serious name - how history-maker Alcaraz clinched career Slam What's gone wrong for Chelsea in WSL and is Bompastor still right coach? Why 2026 could be GB's most successful Winter Olympics The most powerful woman in football - meet game's first female super agent Your Winter Olympics need-to-know guide in six charts Nine siblings and a dog called Zoomer - Wirtz in his own words Barcelona 'shakedown' offers first hints of F1 2026 The NFL's 'Queen's Gambit' who helped create $1. 5bn worth of talent Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.