Sandro Tonali’s future at Newcastle United was thrown into doubt at the start of deadline day when it was claimed that Arsenal were in talks to sign him before the end of the window.
Fairly unsurprisingly, given how late into the window it was, that news was quickly dismissed because the Magpies do not want to lose the Italy international with no time to find a suitable replacement.
His agent, Giuseppe Riso, stated: “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.” The central midfielder has started 21 of his 24 appearances in the Premier League so far this season for the Magpies, and has been a key part of Eddie Howe’s team, which is why it is no surprise that the club did not want to sell him to the Gunners.
Tonali, who has scored one goal in seven appearances in the Premier League, joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m in 2023, so it would take a mammoth fee to snap him up.
Newcastle trying to sign French central midfielder
It remains to be seen whether or not the Italian star will still be at St. James’ Park at the end of the summer window, though, now that Arsenal are thought to be keen. Possibly with that thought in their mind, the Magpies are reportedly looking at a midfield signing who could be the long-term replacement for Tonali on Tyneside.
According to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope, Newcastle United have been “trying” to sign Stade Reims central midfielder Patrick Zabi in the January transfer window.
The reporter claims that the Magpies have been “pushing” to get a deal done for the 19-year-old to join Howe’s team before the deadline, but their effort has come too late, unfortunately.
Newcastle left it too late in the day to bring the French starlet to St. James’ Park in this window, but Hope reveals that there is still interest from the club in the midfielder, which means that they will still be trying to sign him ahead of the summer window.
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