Star midfielder reaffirms commitment to Premier League club after Arsenal links | OneFootball

Tonali Happy at Newcastle as Midfield Star Silences Speculation

Sandro Tonali has addressed the noise that swirled around him in the final days of the transfer window, and the message from the Newcastle midfielder is clear. He is happy, focused and fully committed to the black and white shirt.

Links to Arsenal, Juventus and Real Madrid gathered pace amid claims of intermediaries and future discussions. Yet within Newcastle, there has been calm. Eddie Howe’s staff have continued to trust a player who remains central to their ambitions. Now Tonali has spoken publicly, and his words carry conviction.

Commitment to Newcastle and Howe Emphasised

The Italy international acknowledged the speculation that followed him through deadline day. An intermediary was said to have offered him elsewhere, his agent denied involvement, and talk of end of season conversations lingered in the background. Through it all, Newcastle maintained there was nothing in the rumours.

Tonali’s response came not through a statement, but through performance and celebration. His double in the FA Cup comeback victory over Aston Villa reignited his campaign and reaffirmed his bond with manager and club alike.

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He said: “The first one, this celebration was, I think, seven months without scoring; if you don’t score for seven months, after the first goal, you celebrate for ten or 11 goals – like Bruno (Guimarães)!

“But after the second goal, I came to Eddie (Howe) because in the past few weeks, people spoke about our relationship, but I work every day with the gaffer, the gaffer works every day with me, and our relationship is perfect. It’s not broken and I think this is perfect for the team.

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“We try to do the best for this team, every game, because we play a lot of games – every three days, we play, and we have to be concentrated every time in the training ground to do the best for our team.”

There was clarity in those remarks. Tonali made a point of embracing Howe after his second goal, a visible gesture that cut through the conjecture. Within Newcastle’s dressing room, relationships remain strong.

Villa Victory Rekindles Form and Belief

Tonali’s form has fluctuated this season. By his own admission, he started slowly and struggled to replicate last year’s standards. Midfielders of his intelligence often measure themselves against control, tempo and decisive moments. Goals had been absent for seven months.

Against Aston Villa, he rediscovered his rhythm. Two well taken strikes propelled Newcastle into the fifth round and delivered a 3-1 comeback win that stirred belief. The travelling supporters celebrated wildly, and Tonali’s energy matched theirs.

He reflected: “It’s important for the team, because it’s the second win in a row away, and for me it’s important because it’s the first two goals in my season. I’ve started a little bit late, but every time when you score, your game and your day is different!

“I’ve tried to score for the last two months a little bit more, but the first most important thing always is the team.

“I’m happy especially for Nick (Woltemade). He played as a midfielder and he played very well and he scored the last goal. And I’m happy for every player, for every member of staff, for all the fans.

“Today was an amazing game; we played very well. This game is so important because we have one dream: to come back to Wembley.”

That final line resonates around Tyneside. Wembley represents progress, validation and the continuation of Newcastle’s resurgence under Howe.

Focus Turns to Ambition and Next Challenge

Back to back away victories have steadied Newcastle after a period of uneven results. Confidence can be fragile in a congested schedule, yet Tonali’s return to scoring form feels timely.

The next assignment, a demanding trip to face Qarabag in Azerbaijan, presents further opportunity to build momentum. Howe’s side have been stretched by the rhythm of matches every three days, a reality Tonali acknowledged. Concentration on the training ground and unity within the squad will determine how far they travel in cup competitions.

For Newcastle, speculation over Tonali’s future has been an unwelcome distraction. His public declaration of happiness provides reassurance. Performances such as the one against Villa reinforce why the club invested in his talent and temperament.

Tonali remains integral to Newcastle’s midfield balance, blending composure with competitive edge. He understands the expectations of supporters and the scrutiny that accompanies elite football. His message is simple. He is happy at Newcastle, his relationship with Howe is intact, and his focus is on silverware.

As the season enters its decisive phase, Newcastle will need their Italian orchestrator at his best. On the evidence of that FA Cup display, Tonali is ready to lead from the centre once more.