Arsenal information: Transfer accredited after deadline as Sandro Tonali’s agent breaks silence
Arsenal failed to add to their first-team squad in the January transfer window but completed youth signings as Newcastle star Sandro Tonali’s agent has spoken on deadline day interest from the Gunners
Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal(Image: Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
The January transfer window has passed and Arsenal didn’t manage to strengthen their first-team squad for the final charge towards a Premier League title.
The Gunners will have to manage with the players who were already at their disposal after some last ditch efforts failed to bear fruit. Mikel Merino’s foot injury sparked some worry and prompted Arsenal to explore a late move to secure some cover. Their hunt for the right opportunity proved unsuccessful, however, despite Mikel Arteta making it clear they were in the market.
He said: “We need to do everything that we possibly can to see if we have a player that is available. And if we don’t, we keep what we have,” he said. “At this level, especially for four months, you have to be a player that has the capacity to adapt immediately and impact the team. That’s not easy. But if it were easy, we wouldn’t be here. So, we need to find solutions and try.” Here’s all the latest Arsenal news, reports the Mirror.
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Tonali truth?
Sandro Tonali’s agent has rejected claims of offering the Newcastle star to Arsenal on transfer deadline day to resolve the Gunners’ midfield problems.
The Italian star, 25, was linked with a shocking switch to the Emirates on deadline day and it’s understood Tonali is highly rated by Arsenal.
But both clubs dismissed the possibility before it was reported that Arsenal had been offered the opportunity to sign him by the Italian’s representatives.
However, Tonali’s representative, Giuseppe Riso, has now spoken to Sky Italia in a bid to set the record straight. “We never had any conversation with Arsenal,” Riso is quoted as stating.
“Newcastle were never going to let Tonali leave in January. There’s absolutely nothing into it. We didn’t even talk about it.”
Late deadline announcement
Arsenal left it until the eleventh hour but officially confirmed the signing of Evan Mooney from Scottish Premiership side St Mirren on Monday evening.
The news wasn’t revealed until after the transfer window had closed, but the 18-year-old has arrived and is set to join the club’s academy structure.
It’s believed Mooney has moved to the club for an initial £400,000 fee with a further £400,000 in add-ons and an undisclosed sell-on clause written into the deal.
Confirming the move, Arsenal declared: “Everyone at Arsenal would like to congratulate Evan and welcome him to the club.”
Arsenal secure defender
The Gunners brought in another promising youngster on transfer deadline day. The Premier League frontrunners struck a deal to bring in centre-back Jaden Dixon from Stoke City for nearly £500,000.
The 18-year-old arrives as a highly-rated prospect, with Arsenal having fended off numerous other suitors to complete the acquisition.
Dixon made his Championship bow last season and is a right-footed player who has also operated at right-back. This kind of flexibility provides the sort of value Mikel Arteta is renowned for valuing.
