Arsenal handed major Sandro Tonali transfer boost as Newcastle United frustrations clear

Sandro Tonali was linked with a shock deadline day move to Arsenal in the January transfer window, and could reignite their interest this summer if the Italian's agent's recent comments are anything to by

Arsenal have been handed a major transfer boost in their pursuit of Sandro Tonali this summer, if his agent's recent comments are anything to go by.

The Italian has thrived with Newcastle United since arriving in 2023 via a £70million deal with AC Milan, a key player in the heart of Eddie Howe's midfield.

And as a result, Tonali has been linked with a number of Premier League giants recently. The 25-year-old found himself touted for a deadline day move to Arsenal as the January transfer window wound down, with no such deal coming to fruition.

In the aftermath of the saga, Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, downplayed any ideas that the midfielder was offered to the Gunners. He said: "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."

However, with the summer transfer window now on the horizon, the rumour mill has once again begun to churn with regard to the midfielder's future.

And as per Chronicle Live, Newcastle chiefs are thought to be fed up with Riso's most recent comments on the player.

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While Tonali is under contract with the Magpies until at least 2028, Riso has spoken out about his client's future - as Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United continue to be linked with the player.

In his recent comments, Riso suggests that Newcastle is merely a stepping stone toward a bigger club for Tonali.

When asked the initial move to Newcastle, Riso said: "The deal came about because a club like Newcastle with unlimited financial resources had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league.”

On the potential of an exit to the likes of Arsenal or City, Riso added: "Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world."

Meanwhile, speaking about the prospect of his client being a hot prospect after the 2026 World Cup, he added: "If he shines at the World Cup, will City or Arsenal be hot on his heels? I don’t know, but it’s very likely.

"Everyone is waiting for the World Cup; then a thousand scenarios will unfold, but it all kicks off after the World Cup."