Fabrizio Romano Provides Update on Arsenal’s Transfer Interest in Sandro Tonali
Arsenal fans have been buzzing with transfer talk, especially after injury concerns hit the midfield. Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has now weighed in on the speculation linking the Gunners with Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali — and there’s more to the story than initial reports suggested.
Arsenal’s Genuine Appreciation for Sandro Tonali
Despite strong denials from Newcastle sources and no active negotiations on deadline day, Romano confirms that Arsenal do hold real interest in the Italian midfielder. This isn’t just idle gossip — the club appreciates Tonali’s quality and has built a solid connection through key people close to the player.
The links surfaced strongly earlier on transfer deadline day, with some outlets claiming talks were underway.
However, those moves never materialized, and Romano was clear: there were zero conversations between Arsenal and Newcastle at that point, making any January switch impossible.
Speaking about the situation on YouTube, Romano said: “For Arsenal, yes, this morning, many rumours about Sandro Tonali, many links with Sandro Tonali and the potential move to Arsenal.
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“My understanding is that there is nothing today, nothing ongoing between Newcastle and Arsenal. There is an appreciation from Arsenal, for sure.
“Arsenal also have a very good relationship with people close to the player, Italian connection with the director Andrea Berta, but this is a separate story.
“So Arsenal, but it’s not only Arsenal, Juventus, more Premier League clubs, it’s going to be, I think, in the summer an interesting situation to follow with many clubs interested.
Why Arsenal Are Looking at Midfield Reinforcements
The timing of the rumours wasn’t random. Mikel Merino suffered a serious foot injury that will keep him sidelined for the rest of the season, leaving Arsenal short in central midfield. Mikel Arteta has openly expressed a desire for new additions to strengthen the squad, though no major signings arrived before the window closed.
Tonali, a dynamic box-to-box player with excellent passing range and defensive bite, fits the profile Arsenal could use. His form at Newcastle has been impressive since settling in the Premier League, making him an attractive long-term target.
Andrea Berta’s Italian Connection Plays a Role
A key detail from Romano highlights Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, who has an existing relationship with Tonali’s agent and people around the player. This Italian network could give the Gunners an edge if they pursue the 25-year-old in the future.
It’s not just Arsenal keeping tabs — Juventus and other Premier League sides are also interested. That said, Newcastle have shown they’re tough negotiators (remember their stance on Alexander Isak last summer), so any deal would be far from straightforward.
Paul Merson’s View — and What Could Happen Next Summer
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has publicly said he’d love to see Tonali arrive at the Emirates. While a move won’t happen this winter, Romano believes the situation could heat up again next summer when more clubs are likely to test Newcastle’s resolve.
Tonali remains under contract at St James’ Park until at least 2029 (with an option for an extra year), giving the Magpies plenty of leverage. For now, he’s staying put.
Bottom Line: No Deal This Window, But Keep an Eye on Summer
In his YouTube update, Romano summed it up perfectly: Arsenal have appreciation for Tonali and strong ties through their Italian connections, but nothing is happening right now — and zero chance of a deadline-day exit from Newcastle.
This could turn into one of the more intriguing transfer sagas of 2026. Arsenal’s midfield search isn’t over; it’s just paused until the next window opens. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Gunners circle back for one of Serie A’s brightest talents.
Also Read: Mikel Merino Breaks Silence After Foot Injury Rules Him Out for Arsenal
Fabrizio Romano Provides Update on Arsenal’s Transfer Interest in Sandro Tonali