Sandro Tonali has addressed Arsenal transfer speculation head on, insisting his relationship with Eddie Howe is “perfect” despite fresh rumours linking him with a move away from Newcastle United.
Reports on Deadline Day suggested Arsenal had held talks with Tonali’s representatives over a potential summer switch. While his agent, Giuseppe Riso, denied direct discussions with the Gunners, he did leave the door open to reassessing the situation at the end of the season.
Tonali responded in the clearest way possible, scoring twice in Newcastle’s FA Cup victory over Aston Villa before running straight to Howe in celebration.
Tonali responds to Arsenal transfer links
The 25-year-old, contracted at St James’ Park until 2030, used his post-match comments to shut down suggestions of tension behind the scenes.
“The first one, this celebration was, I think, seven months without scoring. If you don’t score for seven months, after the first goal, you celebrate for ten or 11 goals – like Bruno!
But after the second goal, I came to Eddie because in the past few weeks, people spoke about our relationship, but I work every day with the gaffer, the gaffer works every day with me, and our relationship is perfect.
It’s not broken and I think this is perfect for the team. We try to do the best for this team, every game.”
— Sandro Tonali
Having followed Newcastle closely in recent weeks, the speculation appeared to surface unexpectedly. Tonali’s form had dipped before his brace against Villa, which perhaps fuelled outside noise. However, Howe publicly reaffirmed his belief in the midfielder after the January window closed.
The celebration, then, felt deliberate. It was not simply relief at ending a goal drought. It was a visible statement of unity.
Champions League factor may shape summer decision
Despite Tonali’s firm stance, his agent suggested the club’s European ambitions could influence discussions later in the year.
Newcastle currently sit tenth in the Premier League table and face a significant challenge to secure another Champions League campaign. Riso indicated that talks regarding valuation and long-term plans would take place in March or beyond, depending on the club’s trajectory.
However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions. Newcastle have games in hand and remain within striking distance of European positions if consistency improves.
Key Insights
- Arsenal were linked with Tonali during the January window.
- His agent denied talks but hinted at a summer evaluation.
- Tonali publicly described his relationship with Howe as “perfect”.
- Newcastle sit tenth in the Premier League.
- Champions League qualification could influence future decisions.
What’s Next
Newcastle’s immediate focus remains domestic consistency and cup progression. March could become a pivotal month both on the pitch and in shaping discussions about Tonali’s long-term future.
Much will depend on whether the Magpies close the gap to the European places. Should momentum build, speculation may cool. If results stall, transfer talk is likely to intensify ahead of the summer window.
Is this the end of Arsenal’s interest, or just the beginning of a longer transfer storyline?
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