Sandro Tonali has held ‘initial talks’ with Arsenal – He’d ‘love a move to London’
Sandro Tonali may push for a move away from Newcastle in the summer transfer window amid interest from Arsenal in January.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes Tonali would “like to play under Mikel Arteta.”
Arsenal explored a deadline day move for Tonali, after it was revealed that Mikel Merino would spend time on the sidelines with a foot injury.
Newcastle rejected an approach from Arsenal for the 25-year-old, who has started 21 Premier League games for Eddie Howe’s side this season.
Sandro Tonali ‘looking’ for Newcastle exit
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Tonali was “offered to Arsenal” in January.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness would back the Italian midfielder to fit into the Arsenal team.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, Tonali, I mean, you know, I’m sure his agent makes his money when he makes a move. So, of course, he’s going to be looking at different options.
“Of course they would deny it all the time. But yeah, I believe that he was offered to Arsenal and I think that he could be looking. But, you know, let’s see how the Merino injury looks as well. But I think Tonali would be a good replacement.
“Newcastle have been through the wars with him as well, don’t forget. They stuck by him and he does feel a certain loyalty to them. I don’t know how settled he is up in the North East and I know that he would love a move to London, and certainly I think he would like to play for Arteta as well.
“So I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some smoke without fire there, but I don’t think it was ever going to happen quite this early. I think there were maybe some initial talks, but I don’t think anything really got serious, and I think it would have been bad for Tonali to have actually left in January. I think in the summer the fans might respect it a little bit more.”
Arsenal get deal over the line for Scottish talent
Merino’s injury requires surgery and the Arsenal star will be out for months, in what will prove a blow to Arteta.
Arsenal signed St Mirren’s Evan Mooney on deadline day in their only piece of business, with the Premier League leaders not urgently needing reinforcements.
The Gunners are six points clear at the top of the table, and have also reached the final of the Carabao Cup following victory over Chelsea.