Arsenal’s late deadline day link with Sandro Tonali has intensified after his agent Giuseppe “Beppe” Riso admitted the midfielder wants to leave Newcastle United and that transfer discussions will take place in the summer.
Sandro Tonali was unexpectedly linked with Arsenal in the closing hours of the January window, with reports claiming the Premier League leaders were open to a late move for the 25-year-old.
It later emerged that someone claiming to represent the Italy international had offered him to the club, although no talks took place between the two sides and his agent publicly denied contacting Arsenal at the time.
Despite those denials, Mikel Arteta is described as an admirer of the midfielder.
Speaking in an interview with Tuttosport, Riso made clear that Tonali’s future remains open and that the player is considering his next move.
He said, “Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League.” He added, “These transfer discussions will take place later.
“We’ll see how the season ends and then we’ll decide what to do.”
His agent stressed that no decision has yet been taken over a future destination and that any move will depend on how the campaign concludes.
He said, “There’s no preference at the moment. It’s still early. What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club.
“We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer.”
Alongside Arsenal, Juventus have been linked with a move to bring Tonali back to Serie A, while Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been cited as potential suitors.
Newcastle stood by Tonali following a 10-month ban for gambling offences imposed shortly after his £55m move from AC Milan, a period that led to a contract extension running until 2029, with an option year.
Although Tonali has repeatedly stated he is happy on Tyneside and has recently become a father, rumours of a departure have persisted, with Newcastle now valuing him at more than £100m and his agent’s comments confirming that a summer exit will be discussed.