Arsenal have made an initial approach for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali on transfer deadline day, but the Magpies have swiftly rejected the enquiry. The 25-year-old Italian international, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan for Ā£55m in summer 2023, remains under contract until June 2028 following a recent extension. Despite his importance to Eddie Howe's side, Tonali's recent form dip and minor injury setbacks have coincided with speculation over his future, prompting Arsenal's exploratory interest in the final hours of the window.
The move stems from Arsenal's need for midfield reinforcement after Mikel Merino's foot injury sidelined him for several weeks. Head coach Mikel Arteta has prioritised adding depth capable of immediate impact, with Tonali's profile ā a box-to-box midfielder with excellent passing range, defensive acumen, and technical security ā aligning neatly. At Newcastle, Tonali has started 15 Premier League matches this season, contributing three goals and two assists, but a recent illness saw him miss training ahead of their clash with Tottenham, where he came off injured. His form has waned since a strong 2024-25 campaign following a betting ban, raising questions over consistency.
Why Arsenal See Tonali as a Fit
Tactically, Tonali would provide Arsenal with a versatile option alongside Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, offering energy in transitions and composure in build-up play. Arteta's system demands midfielders who can break lines and contribute defensively, qualities Tonali demonstrated at Milan and in his early Newcastle days. The Gunners' enquiry reflects a willingness to capitalise on any perceived unrest at St James' Park, where Newcastle are battling mid-table mediocrity under Howe, appointed in 2021 on a deal until 2027.
Newcastle's rejection underscores their valuation of Tonali as a core asset. The club have no pressing financial need to sell mid-season, particularly with their survival fight ongoing. Any deal would require a fee well north of Ā£50m to tempt discussions, given his age and upside. Arsenal's pursuit appears opportunistic rather than advanced, with the window's compressed timeline making completion "very difficult" as reported.
Market Reaction and Broader Interest
Betting markets reacted to the news, with odds shortening on Arsenal as Tonali's next club amid the deadline day buzz. The latest Sandro Tonali next club odds reflect growing speculation, though Newcastle retention remains favoured. Other clubs, including Juventus and Inter Milan, have been credited with long-term interest, but no concrete bids have surfaced this window. Tonali's international status with Italy adds to his appeal, but his recent unwell spell and form concerns temper immediate demand.
Financially, a mid-season sale would provide Newcastle with funds for reinforcements, but disrupting squad balance risks their campaign. For Arsenal, adding Tonali would represent shrewd business if achievable, bolstering depth without excessive outlay relative to his pedigree. The enquiry highlights Arsenal's adaptability in a quiet window, but Newcastle's firm stance suggests resolution is unlikely before Monday's close.
Deadline Day Prospects and Summer Ramifications
With hours remaining, Arsenal's chances hinge on Newcastle softening their position ā perhaps if a suitable replacement emerges ā but rejection of the initial approach points to a standstill. Tonali's situation will likely resurface in summer 2026 if his form doesn't rebound, with European clubs monitoring closely. For now, he appears set to stay at Newcastle, where Howe's trust in him remains evident despite recent challenges. This late twist underscores the unpredictability of deadline day, but without swift progress, Tonali's immediate future lies on Tyneside.