Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali breaks silence on Arsenal transfer speculation | OneFootball

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has played down rumours linking him with a move away from St James Park this summer.

The 25-year-old was a late target for Arsenal during the winter transfer window.

However, a mid-season move was never on the cards despite claims that the Gunners had spoken with his representatives.

The Premier League leaders could revive their interest in the Magpies midfielder next summer, but they’ll face serious competition from Manchester United.

The Red Devils are also keeping tabs on Tonali and plan to submit an official proposal if they qualify for the Champions League.

Speculation about Tonali’s long-term future at Newcastle comes after claims there’s a rift between him and manager Eddie Howe.

However, he has shut down those rumours, insisting that their relationship is ‘perfect’.

Tonali used his celebrations to make it clear that he had no problems with Howe after bagging a brace in the 3-1 FA Cup fourth round victory over Aston Villa.

He celebrated his second goal by running over to the touchline to embrace Howe. “The first one, this celebration was, I think, seven months without scoring,” Tonali said (via the Standard).

“But after the second goal, I came to Eddie 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.”

Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, also dismissed the rumours, stating he ‘never had any conversation’ with Arsenal. However, he didn’t completely shut the door on a potential summer exit.

Riso hinted that qualifying for the Champions League will increase Newcastle’s chances of keeping Tonali.

“Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,” Riso said.

“We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. These transfer discussions will take place later.”

Newcastle currently sit 10th in the Premier League table, nine points off fourth-placed Man United.