‘That’s our answer’ – Newcastle chief gives Sandro Tonali future update amid Arsenal transfer links

Newcastle United’s chief executive has revealed he has ‘no idea’ whether Sandro Tonali’s agent offered him to Arsenal on deadline day.

The midfielder was the subject of reports claiming the Gunners were lining up a shock late move on Monday.

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It was even rumoured that Tonali’s representatives had approached the Premier League leaders over a potential switch to north London.

Arsenal had weighed up dipping into the transfer market before the window closed after an injury to Mikel Merino.

The Spaniard is set to be out of action until May as his foot injury requires surgery.

However, a move for Tonali failed to transpire, with the player remaining on Tyneside beyond the 7pm deadline.

Newcastle chief on Tonali interest

Magpies CEO David Hopkinson has now responded to the transfer speculation surrounding the 25-year-old.

Having joined Jim White and Alex Crook live on talkSPORT from St. James’ Park on Wednesday morning, he was asked whether Tonali’s agent had offered him to Arsenal.

In response, Hopkinson explained: “I have no idea. That’s our answer.

“Eddie got it right, he doesn’t know, I don’t know. Here’s what I do know, he’s a superstar player, he’s under contract here.

“He’s not the only player we had that other clubs would covet, so I think if we get a situation where people aren’t trying to muck about and sew some chaos into the marketplace in order to dislodge our players then we’ve got a real problem.

“Sandro has been a wonderful player, a smile’s on every day I see him, I believe he’s happy here and we’re certainly happy with him.”

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What did Eddie Howe say?

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had previously been asked about Arsenal’s interest in Tonali on Tuesday.

Addressing the rumours ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City, he said: “No [it’s not a surprise]. There was certainly no intention from our side to lose Sandro at all.

“He’s such an integral player to what we’re doing. He’s very happy here, he’s playing for Newcastle and loves representing the city.”

As for whether the Italian is unsettled, Howe added: “I don’t think so, but lots of things happen without my knowledge.

“As far as I’m aware, we’ve got a player who is an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person.

“He’s very happy here, he’s got a great relationship with me, his teammates, and seems really happy within himself.

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“That would surprise me, but our best players will always attract glances from other clubs – that’s just the reality of football.

“We want to keep our group together, we want to be progressive and Sandro plays a part in that, trying to hit his best levels and trying to help the team.

“All encompassed, I don’t see an issue but I don’t control everything.”

Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan for a then Italian record fee of £52million in 2023.

He has since made 92 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists.

Those include 35 appearances across all competitions so far this term.

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Tonali was part of the side which won the Carabao Cup last season, ending Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.

His current contract has over two years remaining and is not set to expire until the summer of 2028.