Sandro Tonali found himself at the center of deadline-day attention as Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City coincided with renewed transfer speculation involving Arsenal. No move materialised before the window closed, but the noise around the Italian midfielder has only grown following a notable on-pitch exchange with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
Tonali featured for the Magpies as their defence of the League Cup ended with a heavy 5–1 aggregate loss to City, the final act coming in Manchester. Newcastle were unable to contain Guardiola’s side, and the result brought a swift end to hopes of a return to Wembley.
The timing of the defeat added fuel to an already busy week for the 25-year-old. Reports on February 2 suggested Tonali had been offered to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looked to bolster his midfield options following Mikel Merino’s injury. Those claims were quickly addressed by Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, who insisted no contact had been made with the north London club and that Newcastle were unwilling to consider any January exit.
Tonali remains under contract at St James’ Park until 2029 and continues to be viewed internally as a cornerstone of Eddie Howe’s midfield. However, the midfielder’s profile, pedigree, and age ensure that interest from elite clubs is never far away, with Manchester City also understood to be tracking potential long-term additions in central areas.
The Etihad setting only sharpened the focus. City dominated proceedings from the opening stages of the semi-final, controlling possession and forcing Newcastle into prolonged spells without the ball. Tonali worked tirelessly in midfield, attempting to knit play together and slow City’s tempo, but the contest largely flowed in one direction.
There were few moments of controversy on the night, though the post-match images drew almost as much attention as the football itself. Guardiola was seen deep in conversation with Tonali on the pitch, prompting fresh speculation about City’s interest and the nature of their discussion.
Guardiola later played down any transfer narrative, explaining that the exchange was personal rather than professional. He spoke warmly of Tonali’s background, his experiences at Milan, and his happiness on Tyneside, while also describing him as a top-class player.
Attention now shifts to the months ahead. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has already flagged Tonali as one to watch in the summer, while other reporters have confirmed City’s long-standing admiration. Newcastle, for their part, remain firm in their stance that the midfielder is not for sale.
As the season progresses, Tonali’s performances and Newcastle’s ambitions will shape the next chapter. For now, the January window has closed, but the ripples from deadline day suggest this story is far from over as the summer approaches.
📺 Sandro Tonali & Pep Guardiola on full-time here #nufc #mcfc pic.twitter.com/2JzfUWbumo
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) February 4, 2026
