As soon as Arsenal confirmed the serious injury to Mikel Merino, huge reports started coming out that Arsenal were looking to sign Newcastle star Sandro Tonali on deadline day, and now Eddie Howe has responded to the big news in his press conference. Sandro Tonali had a wild start to his Newcastle career, which saw him banned from playing football for a long time. Since then, he has established himself as a key player for Eddie Howe's Newcastle side and has been really impressive for them in Midfield. The Italian has made 24 appearances for Newcastle in the Premier League this season.
Eddie Howe reacts to Sandro Tonali to Arsenal news in press conference before Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City
Eddie Howe mentioned in his press conference before the Manchester City vs Newcastle game that he was sure that Tonali would not become unsettled by transfer rumours. The following was his statement:
"I don't think so, but lots of things happen without my knowledge.
"As far as I'm aware, we've got player who is an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person. He's very happy here, he's got a great relationship with me, his teammates, and seems really happy within himself.
"That would surprise me [if Tonali became unsettled], but our best players will always attract glances from other clubs - that's just the reality of football.
"We want to keep our group together, we want to be progressive and Sandro plays a part in that. All encompassed, I don't see an issue but I don't control everything.
"There was certainly no intention from our side to lose Sandro at all. He's such an integral player to what we're doing. He's very happy here.
"He is absolutely fine. I had discussions with him yesterday [Monday] and he is absolutely focused on playing for us.
"His only focus is Man City and trying to win that game. There's absolutely no issue with Sandro himself and he's committed."
These words from Eddie Howe highlight the fact that Newcastle want to keep their best players in their mission to become a top football club, and Tonali is undoubtedly one of them. The Italian also seems to be happy to stay at Newcastle according to Howe's statement.
Our opinion on Sandro Tonali to Arsenal rumours
Newcastle's long-term goal is to become one of the biggest and successful clubs in world football. In order to achieve that, the Magpies would need to keep hold of their best players. Tonali is one of them, and they cannot afford to sell him as things stand, especially to a rival club like Arsenal. A repeat of the Alexander Isak transfer saga, which led to Eddie Howe's side selling their best player to Liverpool, is one they cannot afford to repeat again if Newcastle wish to end up becoming a top-force in the Premier League. Thus, if Newcastle are forced to sell Tonali in the upcoming summer transfer window if the player insists , it would mean the club's current working model is a failure, and they'll have to restructure things within the club.
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