Sandro Tonali transfer decision confirmed as NUFC make move to protect star

CommentsLee Ryder Chief Newcastle United Writer06:56, 10 Mar 2026Arsenal are understood to have dropped interest in Sandro Tonali after dramatic deadline day links with the Newcastle United star last winter.

Back then, Newcastle insisted they'd had no contact from the Gunners for the midfielder, although there were claims that Tonali's agent Giuseppe Riso had put Tonali's name to Arsenal supremo Andrea Berta. Riso went on to deny those reports, which came from The Athletic, but ChronicleLive has learned that the Premier League table toppers were indeed made aware of Tonali's uncertain status but chose not to follow up on any suggestions.

Since then, the Gunners have held transfer meetings on summer transfer ideas, but we understand that Tonali's name did not appear on the initial list. Like Newcastle, Arsenal are believed to have spending issues as they look to work with PSR restrictions, with one source claiming that the Emirates Stadium side may have just £40m in the kitty to spend this summer.

That is expected to be supplemented by player sales, with Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli candidates to be sold. Arsenal are counting the cost of a £268m after bringing in stars like Eberechi Eze (£67.5 million), Viktor Gyökeres (£63.7 million) and Martin Zubimendi (£56 million).

Tonali has been linked with Man United and Real Madrid since then, but Newcastle are hoping that the midfielder stays at the club, and the Magpies know that no Italian team can afford to buy the Toon ace.

Regardless of whether United qualify for the Champions League or not, Newcastle want to see some commitment from Tonali. The player himself has spoken about potentially joining the leadership group at the club. But either way, as things stand, Arsenal can be crossed off the list of destinations for the summer, with one source stating a move to the Gunners is deemed 'Impossible' this summer.

The Magpies have had to take special measures with Tonali in recent weeks, reducing his media commitments and advising the player to steer clear of any remarks that might get blown out of proportion regarding his future. But Toon chiefs know that there is interest in him moving towards the summer.

Newcastle would not sell Tonali on the cheap, whether his agent kicks up a fuss or not, and a fee north of £100m would be required to lure him away from St James' Park. Tonali has told insiders he is happy at Newcastle and wants to be part of the leadership group behind the scenes in 2026/27.

But the club are wise to the work of agents, and after seeing Alexander Isak force his way to Liverpool for £125m last summer, they are also realistic. When asked if Tonali was unsettled, Howe said in February: "I don't think so, but lots of things happen without my knowledge.

"As far as I'm aware, we've got a player who is an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person. He's very happy here; he's got a great relationship with me, his teammates, and seems really happy within himself.

"That would surprise me [if Tonali became unsettled], but our best players will always attract glances from other clubs - that's just the reality of football. We want to keep our group together, we want to be progressive and Sandro plays a part in that. All encompassed, I don't see an issue but I don't control everything.

"There was certainly no intention from our side to lose Sandro at all. He's such an integral player to what we're doing. He's very happy here. He is absolutely fine. I had discussions with him yesterday [Monday] and he is absolutely focused on playing for us."

However, the acid test for Tonali now lies in wait with any Champions League exit from the knockout stages likely to spell the end of playing in Europe's premier competition for next season.

With Newcastle losing pace in the Premier League, not qualifying for Europe at all is becoming a very real possibility unless Howe gets his team's act together in the top-flight.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more£8.99£0AmazonGet Amazon Prime hereProduct DescriptionNewcastle United have reached the UEFA Champions League round of 16 where they host Barcelona on March 10. Fans can watch the game for free with an Amazon Prime subscription or 30-day trial.