‘He loves playing for Newcastle’ – Eddie Howe on Tonali to Arsenal rumours | OneFootball

Some surprising news towards the end of the January transfer window was that Sandro Tonali had been offered to Arsenal, but his manager Eddie Howe says he loves being at Newcastle United.

Tonali has had a brilliant season, starting 21 league games, and he has been one of Newcastle’s standout performers this year.

Asked about the Arsenal links, Howe said: “There’s certainly no intention from our side to lose Sandro at all. He’s such an integral player to what we’re doing. I think he’s very happy here.

“He loves playing for Newcastle and loves representing the city. Lots of things happen without my knowledge.

“As far as I’m aware we have an outstanding person and player and he seems really happy within himself with a great relationship with me and his teammates. So that would surprise me.”

Newcastle are gearing up for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City, and Howe said it is normal for top players to attract interest.

“As one of our best players he’s always going to be attracting glances; that’s the reality of football. All encompassed, I don’t see an issue but I’m not in control of everything.

“Sandro is absolutely fine, I had a discussion with him yesterday. He’s focused on the here and the now, and playing for us. Talking to him yesterday his only focus was Man City and trying to win that game. He’s happy and committed.”

Newcastle are 2-0 down on aggregate heading to The Etihad, and Howe is aware of how difficult the task is: “It’s going to be an almighty challenge. There’s no greater challenge than Manchester City. We believe in ourselves and are going to give it a good go. We just have to try to win the game. If we have that mentality and attack the game then let’s see what we can do.”