Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has publicly addressed the swirling transfer speculation that linked his midfielder Sandro Tonali with a dramatic deadline day switch to Arsenal. The Gunners were reportedly scouring the market for emergency cover following a serious foot injury to Mikel Merino, which is expected to sideline the Spaniard until late in the season.
Howe Dismisses January Exit Talk
Despite Arsenal's apparent need for reinforcements, manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta ultimately failed to secure any new signings before the window closed. Among the numerous names connected with a late move to the Emirates Stadium, it was the link to Newcastle's Italian international Sandro Tonali that generated significant early buzz among supporters.
The 25-year-old midfielder has established himself as a key figure at St James' Park since his arrival, making 92 appearances across all competitions under Howe's management. His consistent performances have naturally attracted admiring glances from several top clubs, with Arsenal believed to have considered him as a potential solution to their midfield crisis as the January window reached its climax.
Newcastle and Agent Firmly Deny Rumours
However, any potential move was swiftly and firmly dismissed by all parties involved. Newcastle United sources branded the reports as 'rubbish', while Tonali's representative, Giuseppe Riso, provided a categorical denial of any negotiations taking place.
'We never had any conversation with Arsenal,' Riso insisted. 'Newcastle were never gonna let Tonali leave in January. There's absolutely nothing into it. We didn't even talk about it.'
Howe Confirms Tonali's Happiness at Newcastle
Ahead of Newcastle's crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City – a match Tonali is expected to feature in – Eddie Howe directly addressed the transfer rumours during his pre-match press conference.
'There was no intention from our side to lose Sandro at all,' the head coach stated unequivocally. 'He is very happy here, loves playing for Newcastle and loves the city. Sandro is absolutely fine. I had discussions with him yesterday. His focus is on the here and now and with us. There is no issue with Sandro himself. He is happy and committed.'
Newcastle Face Uphill Carabao Cup Battle
Howe's comments come as his team prepares for a formidable challenge against Manchester City on Wednesday evening. The Magpies suffered a 2-0 defeat in the first leg at St James' Park, with goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki giving Pep Guardiola's side a commanding advantage.
Newcastle now require at least three goals at the Etihad Stadium to have any hope of reaching March's final, where they would face either Arsenal or Chelsea. The task appears particularly daunting given Newcastle's recent form, having failed to win any of their last three matches across all competitions.
Their recent results include a 2-0 Premier League loss to Aston Villa, a 4-1 defeat against Liverpool, and a 1-1 Champions League draw with Paris Saint-Germain. In contrast, Manchester City approach the second leg with momentum from 2-0 victories over Wolves and Galatasaray, alongside a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in their last three outings.
With the transfer window now closed and Tonali's immediate future settled, Newcastle can fully concentrate on overturning their semi-final deficit and salvaging their hopes of defending the Carabao Cup trophy they won last season.
