Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe insists Sandro Tonali is focused and happy at St. James’ Park amid talks of renewed interest in his services from Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Reports emerged on deadline day of the winter transfer window that Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso had offered the Italian midfielder to the Gunners, but Newcastle refused to entertain any offers.
However, Riso debunked the speculations, insisting he did not offer Tonali to other clubs, while reports from Sky Sports also indicate that Arsenal did not make contact with the Magpies regarding a potential deal for Tonali.
Despite this, Howe faced questions about the situation during his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Manchester City in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final.
Asked whether Tonali’s case could end up becoming like that of Alexander Isak, who ended up forcing his way out of St. James’ Park, the ex-AFC Bournemouth headcoach insisted that his star midfielder is fully focused on helping the Magpies overcome their upcoming challenge against Man City.
“I don’t think so, but lots of things happen without my knowledge,” Howe said in quotes revealed by Sky Sports.
“As far as I’m aware, we’ve got a 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 in 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.”
Newcastle United won the Carabao Cup last season after beating Premier League champions Liverpool in the final at Wembley. An aggregate win over Man City will send them into a second consecutive final against either Arsenal or Chelsea.
That said, the Magpies have it all to do at the Etihad on Wednesday, having lost the first leg at St. James’ Park by a 2-0 scoreline courtesy of goals from City’s winter signing, Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki.
