Sandro Tonali's agent has denied offering the Newcastle United midfielder to Arsenal on transfer deadline day, dismissing reports of a potential move to the Emirates. The 25-year-old was linked with a shock switch to north London before Monday's 7pm deadline, but Giuseppe Riso has moved to quash the speculation.
Arsenal had been searching for midfield reinforcements after Mikel Merino was ruled out for an extended period following surgery on a broken foot. Reports suggested the Italian's camp had offered Tonali to the Gunners, with sporting director Andrea Berta said to have explored the move. However, it emerged that no contact was made with Newcastle.
Speaking to Sky Italia, Riso said: "We never had any conversation with Arsenal. Newcastle were never gonna let Tonali leave in January. There's absolutely nothing into it. We didn't even talk about it." The agent's comments appear to end any immediate speculation, with Tonali contracted to Newcastle until 2029 after his deal was extended during his 10-month ban for breaching gambling rules.
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed on Monday that he would be open to signing former Gunners midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer. The 32-year-old has been training with the club's under-21s since being released by Besiktas in August. Arteta, speaking ahead of Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, said the club were actively exploring options to address their midfield crisis.
"We are on it," Arteta said. "It's our responsibility, when we are playing for what we are playing, to give ourselves the best opportunity and chance to look at the market, every option, evaluate them, and then make a decision whether we do something, if it's possible. We need players because we play every two, three days."
The Arsenal boss stressed the importance of bringing in someone who can adapt immediately, admitting it is a difficult task. However, with Tonali staying at St James' Park, the Gunners may have to look elsewhere to bolster their squad before the current window closes.
