Fabrizio Romano Confirms Arsenal Interest in Sandro Tonali, May Revisit in Summer

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal are interested in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Tonali’s name dominated deadline day speculation after reports claimed Arsenal had made a late approach following an injury to Mikel Merino.

Those claims were quickly disputed by Newcastle, but Romano now says the Italy international is one to watch ahead of the summer.

What happened with Tonali on deadline day?

During the final day of the window, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported that Arsenal had made contact with Newcastle, sparking widespread reaction.

That was followed by reports stating Arsenal had not made an approach for Tonali to Newcastle and that the Magpies considered him not for sale.

David Ornstein then added further context, reporting that Tonali had been offered to Arsenal via intermediaries, with no direct club-to-club talks taking place.

Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, was quick to shut the story down.

“Newcastle won’t let Sandro leave in January,” Riso told Sky Sport Italy. “We haven’t spoken to Arsenal about this opportunity. Juventus? This isn’t the time to talk about it.”

He added, “It’s not even being discussed now. We will see around March about Sandro’s valuation, but only if Newcastle decide to open doors. He’s completely focused on Newcastle’s season.”

Will Arsenal sign Tonali in the summer?

While a January move was never realistic, Romano has now clarified Arsenal’s position going forward.

“There has been a lot of confusion around Sandro Tonali,” Romano said on his YouTube channel. “But his agent was very clear that the player was not offered to Arsenal.”

Romano stressed that any deadline day deal would have been impossible to complete.

“It would have been completely unrealistic to try to sign a player of Tonali’s level in the final 24 hours of the market,” he explained.

However, it’s certainly a situation to keep an eye on in the summer.

“For the summer, Tonali is a name to watch,” Romano added. “Arsenal remain interested, and there is also strong interest from Juventus and other top clubs in England.”

According to Romano, the next few months will be crucial as to weather Tonali stays at St James’ Park.

“The next key step will be discussions with Newcastle United between February and April,” he said. “Any decision will depend on the club’s position and future plans.”

Convincing Tonali to commit his future to Newcastle may hinge on whether Eddie Howe’s side can secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLOfz1gjC1c

Does Tonali want to leave Newcastle?

The Daily Mail has reported that Tonali is not fully convinced by Newcastle’s long-term direction, following what has been described as a difficult and frustrating transfer window.

The report claimed Tonali is “not alone in harbouring some doubt over the speed, direction and delivery of the project he signed up to”.

That assessment appears to match comments Tonali made late last year when speaking candidly about his future.

“This is a tough question because in football you need to think year on year,” Tonali said in November. “I don’t want to say I want to stay here 10 years and then leave in two, three or four years.

“If you have an option for your life, for another team, you need to think about everything. But now I’m happy here. I don’t think anything about another team.”

Manager Eddie Howe has expressed concerns over PSR restrictions limiting the club’s ability to strengthen in the market.

Arsenal’s continued interest is not a surprise. Tonali’s profile fits what Mikel Arteta looks for in midfield: top quality on and off the ball, intensity, and the ability to operate in multiple roles.

With Arsenal expected to reassess their midfield options at the end of the season, Tonali is likely to remain on their radar as talks between the player and Newcastle take shape.