Eddie Howe has broken his silence on Sandro Tonali’s surprise transfer deadline day links to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looked to make a last-minute signing to cover for the injured Mikel Merino
Eddie Howe has finally spoken out about the rumours linking Sandro Tonali to Arsenal on transfer deadline day.
The Gunners were expected to be on the hunt for a last-minute replacement for the injured Mikel Merino, as the Spaniard is set to undergo foot surgery and is likely to be out of action until later in the season.
Despite efforts from Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta, no new signings were made to provide cover, but several players were rumoured to be heading to the Emirates Stadium on Monday. One name that piqued the interest of football fans was Newcastle United’s powerhouse, Tonali.
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The Magpies’ midfielder has been a standout performer at St James’ Park, making 92 appearances under Howe across all competitions. Consequently, a host of clubs are believed to have taken a keen interest in the 25-year-old, with Arsenal reportedly considering Tonali as the January transfer window came to a close.
However, these plans were swiftly dismissed as Newcastle labelled the reports as ‘nonsense’. Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, also denied claims that Tonali was offered to Arsenal. He firmly stated: “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.”
As he looks ahead to Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City, where Tonali is expected to play, Howe also spoke about Tonali’s circumstances. During his press conference on Tuesday, the manager said: “There was no intention from our side to lose Sandro at all.
“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.”
When questioned whether Tonali speculation could mirror the dramatic Alexander Isak to Liverpool saga from the summer, the 48 year old responded: “I don’t think so but lots of things happen without my knowledge. As far as I am aware we have an outstanding footballer, and outstanding person and he has a great relationship with me and his team-mates, seems really happy in himself and that would be a surprise to me.
“Our best players will always be attracting glances from other clubs, that is just the reality of football. We want to keep the group together, keep being progressive, and, of course, Sandro plays a part in that. All encompassed I don’t see an issue but I am not in control of everything.”
Newcastle United face a daunting task on Wednesday evening if they hope to defend their Carabao Cup title next month. In the first leg of the semi-finals, the Magpies suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Antoine Semenyo broke the deadlock for the visitors before Rayan Cherki put the game beyond reach deep into stoppage time. Consequently, Newcastle will need to score at least three goals if they are to have any chance of reaching March’s final against either Arsenal or Chelsea.
The Magpies enter the match on a poor run of form, having failed to secure a win in their last three matches across all competitions. This includes a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa and a 4-1 thrashing by Liverpool in the Premier League, as well as a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
On the other hand, Manchester City have enjoyed better fortunes recently, boasting 2-0 victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Galatasaray, and a 2-2 draw with a struggling Tottenham Hotspur in their last three outings.