Tonali ‘very happy’ at Newcastle amid Arsenal links

Manager Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali is “very happy” at Newcastle United after the midfielder was linked with a move to Arsenal.

A report emerged on deadline day suggesting the Premier League leaders were exploring a move for Tonali, but Newcastle said the midfielder was not for sale and that there had been no contact.

Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, denied speaking to Arsenal but, in an interview with Sky Italia, he was asked about the club’s valuation and said “that’s something we will do in March or April if Newcastle are open to it”.

Howe spoke to Tonali on Monday and said the Italian was “absolutely focused on the here and now and playing for us” as the holders prepare for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City.

“He’s very happy and committed so I find it difficult to talk about things I don’t know too much about.

“I can only talk about Sandro as the person and player, and his mindset here and now. Having discussed things with him yesterday, he’s absolutely fine.”

Tonali made it clear he was “happy” at Newcastle, in November, but said it was “difficult” to think long-term.

The Italian initially signed a five-year deal when he joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023.

Tonali was keen to repay the faith Newcastle showed in him during his betting ban – when he was unable to play for 10 months – and went on to sign a new one-year deal.

Newcastle also have an option to trigger an additional 12-month extension to 2030, which puts the club in a strong position.

Although Newcastle lost Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer, Howe feels the club are now better placed to “navigate those waters in a much calmer, clearer way” following the arrival of sporting director Ross Wilson.

“Our best players are always going to attract glances from other clubs,” he added. “That’s just the reality of football.

“We want to keep the group together. We want to keep progressing and, of course, Sandro plays a part in that in trying to hit his best levels and play as well as he can to help the team.