Eddie Howe breaks silence on Sandro Tonali to Arsenal transfer | Football | Sport

Eddie Howe has addressed speculation linking Sandro Tonali with a deadline day move to Arsenal. The Gunners were anticipated to search the market for emergency cover following Mikel Merino’s injury, with the Spaniard requiring surgery on his foot and facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines until later in the campaign.

Whilst Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta were ultimately unsuccessful in securing reinforcements, several players were mentioned in connection with a switch to the Emirates Stadium on Monday. One name that captured attention early in the day was Newcastle United’s influential midfielder Tonali.

The Magpies star has shone at St James’ Park, featuring in 92 matches under Howe in all competitions. Consequently, several clubs are believed to hold a long-standing interest in the 25 year old, with Arsenal reportedly weighing up a move for Tonali as the January deadline approached.

Nevertheless, such speculation was swiftly dismissed, as Newcastle labelled the reports as ‘rubbish’.

Tonali’s representative, Giuseppe Riso, also denied suggestions that his client was made available to Arsenal. He insisted: “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 prepares for Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City – where Tonali is anticipated to play – Howe also discussed Tonali’s circumstances. Speaking 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.

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“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.”

This comes as Newcastle face a daunting task on Wednesday evening if they hold any ambitions of retaining their Carabao Cup title next month. In the semi-final first leg, the Magpies endured a 2-0 defeat at home to Pep Guardiola’s City.

Antoine Semenyo broke the deadlock for the visitors before Rayan Cherki put the result beyond doubt deep into added time. Consequently, Newcastle will need a minimum of three goals if they are to harbour any realistic chances of reaching March’s final against either Arsenal or Chelsea.

Newcastle approach the encounter having gone without victory in their previous three matches across all competitions, recording a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa and a 4-1 thrashing by Liverpool in the Premier League, plus a 1-1 stalemate with PSG in the Champions League.

City, by contrast, boast 2-0 triumphs over Wolves and Galatasaray, alongside a 2-2 stalemate with a faltering Tottenham Hotspur in their most recent three fixtures.