Eddie Howe has broken his silence on Sandro Tonali's links to Arsenal on deadline day. The Gunners were expected to scour the market for a last-minute replacement for the injured Mikel Merino, given the Spaniard will have surgery on his foot and is expected to be sidelined until nearer the end of the season.
While Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta were ultimately unable to bring anyone in with regards to cover, a number of names were linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium on Monday. One name which caught the attention of football fans early doors was that of Newcastle United powerhouse Tonali.
The Magpies midfielder has impressed at St James' Park, racking up 92 appearances under Howe across all competitions. And as a result, a number of clubs are thought to be long-term admirers of the 25-year-old, with Arsenal thought to be considering Tonali as the January window drew to a close.
• Sandro Tonali has always been clear on club he wants to join amid Arsenal's transfer 'interest'
• Mikel Arteta has already received Sandro Tonali approval amid Arsenal transfer links
However, any plans had cold water poured on them, as Newcastle branded the reports as 'rubbish'.
Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, also refuted claims that Tonali was offered to Arsenal. He insisted: "We never had any conversation with Arsenal.
"'Newcastle were never gonna let Tonali leave in January. There’s absolutely nothing into it. We didn’t even talk about it."
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As he looks toward Newcastle United's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Manchester City – that Tonali is expected to feature in – Howe also addressed Tonali's situation. Speaking in his press conference on Tuesday, the head coach said: "There was no intention from our side to lose Sandro at all.
"He is very happy here, loves playing for Newcastle and loves the city. Sandro is absolutely fine. I had discussions with him yesterday. His focus is on the here and now and with us. There is no issue with Sandro himself. He is happy and committed."
When asked if Tonali links could be a repeat of the dramatic Alexander Isak to Liverpool saga in the summer, the 48-year-old added: "I don't think so but lots of things happen without my knowledge. As far as I am aware we have an outstanding footballer, and outstanding person and he has a great relationship with me and his team-mates, seems really happy in himself and that would be a surprise to me.
"Our best players will always be attracting glances from other clubs, that is just the reality of football. We want to keep the group together, keep being progressive, and, of course, Sandro plays a part in that. All encompassed I don't see an issue but I am not in control of everything."
It comes as Newcastle face an uphill battle on Wednesday evening should they harbour any hopes of defending their Carabao Cup crown next month. In the first-leg of the semi-finals, the Magpies suffered a 2-0 loss on home soil to Pep Guardiola's City.
Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring for the visitors before Rayan Cherki sealed the deal late into stoppage time. As a result, Newcastle will require at least three goals should they have any hopes to making it into March's final against either Arsenal or Chelsea.
Newcastle head into the fold having failed to win a game in their last three outings across all competitions, with a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa and a 4-1 rout at the hands of Liverpool in the Premier League, and a 1-1 draw with PSG in the Champions League to show for their efforts.
City, meanwhile, have 2-0 wins over Wolves and Galatasaray, and a 2-2 draw with a struggling Tottenham Hotspur to show for their efforts in their last three.
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