Sandro Tonali to Arsenal transfer bombshell as Gunners 'pushing' for deadline day deal

Arsenal are exploring a shock deadline day move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, it has been claimed. The Gunners are on the lookout for late reinforcements in midfield after losing Mikel Merino to a foot injury and have already made direct contact around a late swoop for Tonali.

However, according to Sky Germany, a potential deal is going to be 'very difficult' to finalise as Newcastle are reluctant to sanction a sale with less than 12 hours to go until the transfer window closes. But Arsenal are still trying and pushing to make the deal happen before Monday's 7pm deadline.

If Arsenal do manage to get a deal across the line for Tonali, it would be a statement signing as the club look to strengthen their squad following Merino's injury blow. The Spaniard is set for a long spell on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury during last month's defeat against Manchester United.

Merino, 29, is due to have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme. The former Real Sociedad midfielder is not expected to feature for at least another couple of months, with fears growing that he might not play again for Arsenal this season.

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A club statement read on Sunday: "Further to sustaining a foot injury towards the end of our game against Manchester United on January 25, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed Mikel Merino has a bone injury in his right foot.

"Mikel will have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme. Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season. Everyone is fully focused on supporting Mikel to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."

But it appears that the Gunners are working hard to replace Merino with Tonali right at the top of their midfield shortlist.

The 25-year-old ex-AC Milan man has three-and-a-half years left on his contract at Newcastle, having recently extended his deal with an option of a further 12 months.

He has played in every Premier League game so far this season, making 21 starts and three substitute appearances. Tonali provided the assist for Nick Woltemade's opener in Newcastle's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in September.

Tonali has been at the Magpies since making a £55million move from AC Milan in 2023. During his time in the North East, he has played 91 matches and helped them win the Carabao Cup last March.

Speculation has been rife around his future at Newcastle for some time, however.

Speaking in November, Tonali admitted it's hard to predict his future amid rumours around a possible return to Italy. When asked about his long-term future at St James' Park, Tonali said after Newcastle's win against Athletic Club: "This is a tough question because, you know, [in] football you need to think year for year.

"I don't want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years [or] five years I will go."

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