Arsenal’s summer planning is underway as they prepare for another transfer window that could reshape Mikel Arteta’s squad, even if they hoist the Premier League cup at the end of the season.
Despite being linked with Newcastle midfielder and Italy international Sandro Tonali during the winter transfer window, recent reports indicate that Tonali is no longer a priority target for the north London club.
According to ChronicleLive’s Lee Ryder, Tonali is not among the names currently on Arsenal’s summer
shopping list anymore.
“Arsenal are understood to have dropped interest in Sandro Tonali after dramatic deadline day links with the Newcastle United star last winter,” Ryder wrote.
The Italian maestro was linked to the Gunners earlier this year, but those claims were quickly addressed by his agent, who said it was too early to think about a move, denying any contact with any club—particularly Arsenal—back then.
“We never had any conversation with Arsenal,” Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso told Sky in early February. “Newcastle were never gonna let Tonali leave in January. There’s absolutely nothing into it. We didn’t even talk about it.”
Tonali remains under contract at Newcastle and has been a regular presence in Eddie Howe’s midfield setup since returning from his humongous gambling suspension. His ever-improving game has attracted interest from several European clubs in recent months, but no formal offers have been reported for now, involving Arsenal or any other club.
Another possibility for Arsenal’s lack of interest might have to do with the club’s financial situation. The Mirror reported that Arsenal may need to operate carefully this summer due to Profit and Sustainability Rules considerations, with at least eight players set to enter the conversation regarding potential sales this summer.
While Arsenal are expected to strengthen in certain areas, a move for Tonali does not appear to be high on their list of priorities at this stage, and sales must come first for the Gunners to pull the trigger on any acquisition.
