Arsenal make late enquiry for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali
Arsenal explored a dramatic deadline day move for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali as Mikel Arteta looked to protect his Premier League title push following an injury setback to Mikel Merino.
The Italy international has been identified as a reliable, top level option to strengthen Arsenal’s midfield, but Newcastle have moved quickly to shut down any prospect of a late deal for one of their core players.
Tonali has been a regular presence at St James’ Park since arriving in the summer of 2023 and has now made 67 Premier League appearances for the club. Despite missing a significant portion of his debut season, the 25-year-old has re-established himself as a key part of Eddie Howe’s side, making Newcastle reluctant sellers.
That stance has left Arsenal frustrated. Sky Sports Deutschland reports that while questions were asked by the north London club, Newcastle have no intention of opening negotiations with a domestic rival.
The enquiry comes at a time when Arsenal are facing midfield disruption. Merino is set to undergo surgery after suffering a broken bone in his foot during the defeat to Manchester United, with the club confirming he will be sidelined for an extended period and is targeting a return before the end of the season.
Arteta is keen to avoid being stretched thin during a campaign that still spans the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Arsenal have already allowed Ethan Nwaneri to leave on loan to Marseille, a move that has reduced internal options during a demanding second half of the season.
Recent matches have seen Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice anchor the midfield, with Martin Odegaard returning from the bench and Christian Norgaard pushing for minutes. Kai Havertz has resumed a creative role, while Eberechi Eze continues to offer competition in the advanced midfield positions.
Tonali’s profile fits the type of player Arsenal value: tactically disciplined, physically robust and experienced at Premier League level. His long term contract at Newcastle, which runs until 2029 with an option for an additional year, has kept his valuation high and removed any urgency for the Magpies to cash in.
Newcastle have instead focused on helping the midfielder rediscover his best form. While Tonali is still searching for his first goal of the campaign after 34 appearances in all competitions, the club believe his overall influence remains important as they look to climb the table and compete in Europe.
The Magpies sit 10th in the Premier League, well adrift of Arsenal at the summit, and are preparing for a Champions League knockout play-off against Qarabag. For Arsenal, the failed enquiry underlines both their ambition and the challenges of reinforcing late in the window, with Arteta now set to rely on his existing squad depth to sustain their title charge.