Tonali to Arsenal a non-starter as Gunners scramble to replace stricken Merino
Sandro Tonali is unlikely to be leaving Newcastle on deadline day
Newcastle have dismissed suggestions Arsenal have inquired about midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Reports this morning claimed the Gunners had asked about the Italy international as they look to find a replacement for Mikel Merino, who is likely to miss the rest of the season due to a foot injury.
Tonali would fit the bill after excelling for Newcastle since joining from AC Milan in 2023 but the Tynesiders have denied any contact with Arsenal.
A deal of that magnitude would be very difficult to compete ahead of the deadline that closes at 7pm this evening.
And with Newcastle’s midfield currently struggling with the injury-enforced absences of Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, there would be little appetite for the club to consider losing Tonali.
Tonali has a contract at St James’ Park until 2029, a deal that was negotiated during a 10-month suspension for illegal betting activity.
There could be one outgoing from Newcastle today, though, with Jamaal Lascelles set to end his 12-year association with the club and join Leicester.