Arsenal Did Not Try to Sign Sandro Tonali, Says Agent

There were stories that Arsenal wanted to buy football player Sandro Tonali from Newcastle. His agent has said this is not true and there was no talk with Arsenal. Newcastle United also said Tonali is not for sale. He is happy playing for Newcastle.
By Newsroom | Football, Transfer News |

Unforeseen Transfer Rumors Emerge on Deadline Day

Reports surfaced on the recent transfer deadline day suggesting a surprising possibility: Arsenal had engaged in discussions regarding a potential move for Sandro Tonali, currently with Newcastle United. These claims introduced an unexpected element into the final hours of the transfer window, sparking considerable conversation among football observers. The situation arose amid reports of injuries within Arsenal's midfield, leading to speculation about potential reinforcements.

Timeline of Events and Key Actors

The primary period of these rumors centered around the transfer deadline day, reportedly February 3rd, 2026.

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  • Speculation Emerges: Reports, particularly from Sky Germany, indicated Arsenal were exploring a surprise move for Tonali.

  • Newcastle's Stance: Newcastle United reportedly stated the midfielder was not for sale and had not received any contact from Arsenal. One report even suggested a price tag of £100 million was informally communicated.

  • Tonali's Agent's Involvement: Giuseppe Riso, Tonali's agent, has been a central figure. While initial reports hinted at offers being made, Riso has categorically denied any formal discussions or contact with Arsenal.

  • Managerial Statements: Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe publicly stated that Tonali is "very happy" at the club and "absolutely focused on the here and now." Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had indicated satisfaction with his current squad, though injuries, such as Mikel Merino's, were noted.

  • Tonali's Past Statements: Previously, Tonali had spoken about a potential future return to Italy, specifically mentioning AC Milan, without closing the door on his home country.

Evidence of Interest and Counterclaims

Information regarding Sandro Tonali's potential move to Arsenal is derived from various media reports and statements from involved parties.

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  • Reports of Arsenal's Interest: Multiple sources, including Sky Germany and Football.london, detailed Arsenal's supposed exploration of a deal for Tonali on deadline day.

  • Agent's Denial: Giuseppe Riso, Tonali's agent, has emphatically denied any contact with Arsenal, as reported by Fabrizio Romano and confirmed by Business Upturn Sports. He indicated that discussions about the player's future would likely occur later in the season.

  • Newcastle's Position: Newcastle United has maintained that Tonali is not for sale. Reports suggest the club was unwilling to let the midfielder leave, even going so far as to suggest a significant asking price if they were to consider any offers.

  • Player's Commitment: Eddie Howe stated that Tonali is content at Newcastle, with his focus solely on playing for the team. This aligns with Tonali's own recent extension of his contract, showing a commitment to the club.

Agent's Nuanced Communication

While Giuseppe Riso has denied direct contact with Arsenal, his statements to Sky Italia, as referenced by the BBC, introduced a layer of complexity.

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"that's something we will do in March or April if Newcastle are open to it"

This comment, when interpreted in the context of transfer market discussions, suggests that while no current discussions with Arsenal were happening, the possibility of future talks regarding player valuation and potential moves, contingent on Newcastle's willingness, was not entirely dismissed for later in the season.

Managerial Confirmation of Player's State

Eddie Howe, Newcastle United's manager, has been clear in his assessment of Sandro Tonali's situation and his commitment to the club.

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"He’s very happy here.” […] “He’s got a great relationship with me, his teammates, and seems really happy within himself. […] His only focus was on Manchester City and trying to win that game so there's absolutely no issue with Sandro himself."

These statements, cited by GoonerNews and Sports Mole, serve to bolster the narrative of Tonali's contentment and focus on his current club, effectively dampening immediate transfer speculation.

Historical Player Intentions

Sandro Tonali's previous remarks reveal a long-standing connection to his Italian roots and a contemplation of a future return to his homeland.

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"I'm not closing the door on Italy; it's my country."

This sentiment, reported by Football.london, indicates a potential future inclination towards playing in Italy again, a factor that could contribute to ongoing speculation about his long-term career path, separate from any immediate transfer bids.

Expert Insights on Transfer Dynamics

Fabrizio Romano, a noted transfer expert, has played a role in clarifying the situation by reporting the agent's explicit denials.

"Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, has categorically denied any discussions with the Gunners. According to Riso, there has been no contact with Arsenal at any stage, and Newcastle have never considered allowing the Italian midfielder to leave in January."

This reporting, as captured by Business Upturn Sports, provides a crucial counterpoint to the initial speculative reports, suggesting a lack of concrete engagement from Arsenal's side.

Conclusion and Implications

The events surrounding Sandro Tonali and Arsenal on deadline day appear to be largely characterized by speculation rather than concrete action. While reports suggested Arsenal explored a potential move, evidence indicates a lack of formal contact from the club. Tonali's agent has firmly denied any discussions, and Newcastle United has maintained the player is not for sale.

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The situation highlights several key points:

  • Unsubstantiated Rumors: The transfer window often generates speculation, and this instance seems to be an example where rumors did not translate into confirmed pursuits.

  • Player Commitment: Statements from Eddie Howe and the context of Tonali's recent contract extension suggest a strong commitment to Newcastle United.

  • Future Possibilities: Tonali's past comments about a potential return to Italy, while not directly related to the Arsenal links, remain a part of his career narrative and may fuel future speculation.

  • Agent's Role: Agents play a critical role in navigating transfer markets, and their denials carry significant weight in assessing the validity of rumors.

Moving forward, the focus for Sandro Tonali is likely to remain on his performances for Newcastle United, particularly as the club aims to secure qualification for major European competitions. Any future transfer considerations will depend on evolving circumstances and the club's willingness to engage in discussions.

Primary Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did Arsenal try to sign Sandro Tonali?
No, his agent said there was no contact with Arsenal.
Q: Is Sandro Tonali leaving Newcastle?
Newcastle United says he is not for sale. His agent also said he is happy at the club.
Q: Why were there rumors about Arsenal wanting Tonali?
The stories started on transfer deadline day. Arsenal had some players injured, so people thought they might buy someone new.
Q: What did Tonali's agent say about the future?
He said they might talk about his future later in the season, but right now, Tonali is focused on Newcastle.