Sandro Tonali spoke about a move away from Newcastle before even being linked with Arsenal
Kasra Moradi Senior Sports Journalist
12:15, 02 Feb 2026
Arsenal were linked with a shock move for Sandro Tonali on transfer deadline day(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Sandro Tonali hinted he will one day return to Italy before being linked with a shock move to Arsenal on transfer deadline day. Sky Sport Germany reported on Monday morning that the Gunners were exploring a surprise move for the Newcastle United midfielder before the window shuts.
It was claimed the Magpies had rejected an initial approach by the league leaders for their 25-year-old Italian international, who was signed in the summer of 2023 for a reported £55million.
However, various outlets, including Sky Sports News themselves, have since shut down those rumours, stating Newcastle have had no contact and don’t expect an approach by Arsenal. Tonali is not for sale and is under contract until the summer of 2029, with an option to extend the deal by a year.
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Tonali, who is one of Eddie Howe’s most important players, has always maintained he is happy in the north east. However, he has spoken about returning to AC Milan in the future on more than one occasion.
The Italian’s sudden departure from the Serie A giants came as a surprise in 2023, given he was seen as a future club captain. In early 2025, he dismissed reports of a potential transfer to Juventus and insisted he was not looking for a move, despite admitting he had unfinished business in Milan.
Tonali said: “I’ve grown, discovered a new country, a new style of football and a new language. I have no regrets. The idea of returning to Milan one day is there but it’s not the first thing on my mind when I wake up in the morning.”
Sandro Tonali wants to return to AC Milan some day(Image: Getty)
He added: “My agents and I have never even talked about it [Juventus interest]. And I know from experience that if you don’t reach that stage, there’s nothing concrete. Besides, I feel good here. I’ve found my path and there’s no need to disrupt it again. I want to win for Newcastle fans; soon, we’ll have our first chance at Wembley.”
Tonali played a key role in ending Newcastle’s long trophy drought with a victory against Liverpool in the EFL Cup final shortly afterwards. Yet, later in the year, he once again opened the door to a San Siro comeback.
He told Vivo Azzurro: “You can never know what will happen, I tell everyone it’s possible. I’m not closing the door on Italy; it’s my country. Maybe not now because I’ve found my balance at Newcastle but the league is getting better and better, the level of the teams is rising.”
However, The Telegraph reported Tonali had little desire to leave the Premier League side, attributing his commitment to the unwavering support he received from the club during his ten-month ban for breaching betting rules relating to matches in Italy.