Arsenal’s deadline day suddenly erupted when Sandro Tonali was revealed as a potential target for the Gunners.
Andrea Berta held discussions with Tonali’s representatives over a possible deadline day move in the January transfer window, but it quickly became clear that a deal was near-impossible to pull off.
Firstly, Newcastle wanted more than £80m for Tonali, a figure unfeasible for Arsenal at this time, and secondly, the Magpies had no intention of letting the Italian leave.
So, while Mikel Arteta made it clear that Arsenal need to replace Mikel Merino, a move for Tonali won’t happen, which might upset the player’s agent.
Rank these Premier League midfielders, Arsenal could have two of them if Tonali signs 👀
David Ornstein shares the truth behind Sandro Tonali to Arsenal transfer
After it became clear that Arsenal wouldn’t sign Tonali, reliable journalist David Ornstein shared what was really happening behind the scenes.
As per The Athletic, it was revealed that Tonali’s agent offered the midfielder to Arsenal, but no talks were had with Newcastle.
The 25-year-old’s representatives reached out to Berta to discuss a possible move, but things were made impossible as Newcastle were ‘unwilling’ to do any business.
The Athletic made it clear that Tonali is a player that Arsenal have admired for a long time; however, regarding this window, the Italian will remain at St James’ Park.
After sharing the news on The Athletic’s transfer deal sheet, Ornstein spoke on the matter on The Athletic’s YouTube channel.
“Tonali’s agent did offer him to Arsenal, and Arsenal, in turn, Andrea Berta, their sporting director, as is his job to do with any players of interest, explored it, looked into the situation, and it became abundantly clear that nothing would be possible,” Ornstein said.
“There’s been no contact, to our knowledge, between Arsenal and Newcastle United, so this is purely a situation between the agent and Arsenal.
“Even if Newcastle were open to doing something now, which they are not, the price would be out of Arsenal’s reach and capabilities. And therefore, the door has closed, nothing’s happening with Tonali, and whether something happens subsequently in the summer, I don’t know, he’s got a long contract and Newcastle are intending to keep him.”
Arsenal have in-house solutions
Replacing Merino in the transfer window was clearly Arteta’s preference, but it looks unlikely now with hours remaining on deadline day.
Fortunately for the Arsenal manager, there are answers to covering Merino’s absence within the Arsenal squad, most notably with Myles Lewis-Skelly.
You can sign one player for Arsenal before the deadline, who would you buy?
It's deadline day 🚨
Lewis-Skelly has been crying out to be used as a midfielder, which is his favoured position, and now, he should get the chance.
As well as the young Englishman, Eberechi Eze is waiting for minutes, as is summer signing Christian Norgaard.
Signing Tonali would’ve been a blockbuster, but some things aren’t meant to be, and right now, that’s not the end of the world for Arsenal.
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