Eddie Howe Discusses Sandro Tonali’s Future After Deadline Day Talks Amid Arsenal Rumours

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe spoke with Sandro Tonali on transfer deadline day amid rumours of interest from Arsenal.

It was widely reported on Monday that the Italian midfielder had been “offered” to the Gunners by his agent.

Those claims were later refuted, while Newcastle insisted that Arsenal did not make an official offer for Tonali.
Newcastle insisted that Arsenal did not make an official offer for Tonali.

Sandro Tonali transfer saga just beginning?

Tonali did not move to Arsenal and will now remain at St James’ Park until at least the end of the season.

However, some Newcastle fans fear that what unfolded on deadline day — in terms of the speculation and uncertainty surrounding Tonali — could be the start of a transfer saga that may be revisited in the summer.

Newcastle did not enjoy the last major transfer saga they were involved in. That came ahead of the 2025/26 season and eventually reached its conclusion on September’s deadline day, when Alexander Isak left to join Liverpool.

Howe was asked on Tuesday morning whether he was concerned that the recent Arsenal rumours involving Tonali could be the beginning of a similar campaign to unsettle the player.

“I don’t think so,” Howe replied. “But lots of things happen without my knowledge.”

Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali “very happy” at Newcastle

Howe added: “As far as I’m aware, we’ve got a player that’s an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person. He’s very happy here, he’s got a great relationship with me and his team-mates, and he seems really, really happy within himself, so that would surprise me.

“But our best players will always be attracting glances from other clubs — that’s just the reality of football. We want to keep the group together, we want to keep being progressive and of course Sandro plays a part in that, trying to hit his best levels and play as well as he can to help the team.

“All-encompassed, I don’t see an issue, but as I say, I’m not in control of everything.”

Eddie Howe confirms talks with Sandro Tonali

Speaking on the eve of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg away at Manchester City, Howe revealed: “I had discussions with Sandro yesterday.

“He’s absolutely focused on the here and now, playing for us. His only focus, talking to him yesterday, was Manchester City and trying to win that game, so there’s absolutely no issue with Sandro himself. He’s very happy and he’s committed.

“I find it difficult to talk about things that I don’t know too much about. I can only talk about Sandro as the person, the player and his mindset here and now. Having discussed things with him yesterday, he’s absolutely fine.”

Tonali is under contract at Newcastle until June 2029, with the deal also including the option of a further 12-month extension.

The 25-year-old has been a Newcastle player since July 2023 and has made 68 appearances for the club, despite serving a 10-month ban between October 2023 and August 2024 for illegal betting.

Tonali remaining at Newcastle on deadline day meant the club neither sold nor signed any first-team players during the January transfer window, despite being linked with Brahim Diaz late in the month.