Sandro Tonali twist - Agent speaks out after Arsenal bombshell on deadline day

Just when it looked like the winter transfer deadline day would pass by without much drama on Tyneside, we were sharply reminded that there’s hardly ever a day without drama when it comes to Newcastle United.

Early reports on Monday from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg claimed that Arsenal had approached Sandro Tonali, a day after the former Magpie midfielder Mikel Merino was ruled out for a prolonged period through injury.

This 'approach' was rubbished by reporters on Tyneside, but when The Athletic’s David Ornstein wrote tonight that the player's agent had offered his client to the North London club, suspicions began to grow.

It has generated an early angry reaction, from a fanbase still angered by Alexander Isak’s departure for Liveroool this past summer. And it’s now prompted Tonali’s agent himself to respond to the developing news…

Tonali’s agent denies transfer talk

Sandro Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso has denied the reports that the midfielder’s services have been offered to Arsenal, and dismissed any transfer talk for the time being.

In quotes courtesy of Fabrizio Romano, Riso had this to say to Sky Italy on Monday evening:

“We never had any conversation with Arsenal”.

“Newcastle were never gonna let Tonali leave in January.

"There’s absolutely nothing into it. We didn’t even talk about it.”

Tonali is currently contracted to us until 2029, with an option to extend his deal for another year included. The player has in the past reaffirmed how content he is in England, previously thanking us for the immense support and faith shown to him during his gambling suspension back in 2023 and 2024.

Damage control or future headache?

In more concerning news however, Riso didn’t entirely rule out the idea of Tonali moving elsewhere in the future.

Though the agent stressed that a move is “not even being discussed now", Riso has floated the idea of a future departure.

“We will see around March about Sandro’s valuation but only if Newcastle decide to open doors.”

“He’s completely focused on Newcastle’s season now, it’s nonsense topic.”

Much like the aforementioned Isak, Tonali has earned hero status at the club for being part of last season’s Carabao Cup-winning side, so it would tarnish a lot of the faith and backing the fans and staff have for the 25-year-old if his agent is acting on his client’s own request here.

But for the time being, Sandro Tonali is going nowhere, and with perhaps the exception of captain Bruno Guimaraes, he’s the crown jewel of the squad, and Howe is dependent on the star for any success strive for this season.