A Premier League club are attempting to launch a shock move to sign Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, it has been reported.
Tonali signed for Newcastle from Italian giants AC Milan in the summer of 2023.
After serving a ban for betting-related offences in 2024, he has become a near indispensable member of Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
He is under contract at St James’ Park until 2029, with Newcastle holding a 12-month extension to keep him until 2030.
Speculation surrounding his future for much of January was connected with a potential return to Italy, though it appeared that Newcastle were certain to keep hold of him as deadline day approached.
Sandro Tonali in action for Newcastle against PSG (Image: Getty)
But according to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Italy international is attracting interest from Premier League leaders Arsenal in what would be a hugely surprising winter deadline day move.
“I have been told, from very, very top sources that Arsenal are exploring a surprising deadline day move for Sandro Tonali from Newcastle,” Plettenberg said on Sky Sports News.
“There have been direct talks in the last couple of hours. But for now, very, very difficult to finalise, because Newcastle didn’t give the green light.
“But Arsenal is still trying, they are pushing for Sandro Tonali to make the move happen today.”
The idea of Newcastle accepting a bid for one of their key players on deadline day would appear to be far-fetched, even despite Arsenal’s interest.
Arsenal have been forced into the market following Mikel Merino’s injury (Image: Getty)
Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder has reported that, internally, Newcastle have ‘instantly dismissed’ any suggestions that Tonali will leave on deadline day, and that Arsenal are yet to make contact in any case.
Elsewhere, the Gunners have been linked with a move for Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, with The Telegraph claiming in November that the Spaniard was a target for the summer but a move could be brought forward.
Arsenal are turning to the transfer market after Mikel Merino suffered a serious foot injury which is expected to keep him out for an ‘extended period’.
