Arsenal have reportedly ruled out a move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali ahead of the summer transfer window, despite months of speculation linking the Italian with a switch to the Emirates.
The 25-year-old had been mentioned as a possible midfield target for Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta believed to be exploring options to strengthen his squad.
However, recent reports suggest the North London club have now cooled their interest and are unlikely to pursue a deal.
Tonali remains key figure at Newcastle
Tonali joined Newcastle United from AC Milan in 2023 and remains under a long-term contract on Tyneside keeping him at the club until at least the summer of 2029.
The Italy international has been viewed as a key player in Eddie Howe’s midfield, and Newcastle are not believed to be eager to sell one of their most important assets.
Arsenal’s reported interest largely emerged during the January transfer window, when rumours suggested the club were exploring the possibility of bringing the midfielder to North London.
Some reports even claimed that Tonali had been offered to the Gunners by his representatives, prompting internal discussions at the club, although, such rumours were squashed.
“We never had any conversation with Arsenal,” agent Giuseppe Riso informed Sky in early February.
“Newcastle were never gonna let Tonali leave in January. There’s absolutely nothing into it. We didn’t even talk about it.”
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Gunners turn attention to other targets
The situation now appears to have changed. According to recent reports, Arsenal have decided not to pursue the Italian this summer, partly due to the high cost involved in a potential deal and the club’s broader transfer priorities.
Instead, the Gunners are believed to be focusing on other targets across the market as they prepare for the next transfer window.
One player reportedly on their radar is Julian Brandt, whose contract situation at Borussia Dortmund has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.
Tonali’s future at Newcastle had briefly become a talking point after reports suggested a number of top clubs were monitoring his situation.
However, with Arsenal now seemingly stepping back from the race, speculation over a Premier League move may begin to quieten.
While midfield reinforcements could still arrive, Tonali no longer appears to be part of those plans for Arsenal.
