Mikel Arteta's Comments Spark Explosive Arsenal-Sandro Tonali Transfer Rumors: What's Really Happening?
The representative of Sandro Tonali has vehemently rejected speculation suggesting he pitched the Newcastle United midfielder to Arsenal, who were reportedly "actively seeking" midfield additions during the final day of the transfer window.
Amid what has been a relatively quiet winter transfer period, these rumors about Tonali's potential move have added an intriguing (and welcome) element of drama.
Following confirmation of the serious nature of Mikel Merino's foot problem by Arsenal, it became evident that the North London club was searching for an urgent signing to cover the final four months of the campaign. Mikel Arteta openly acknowledged this on transfer deadline day, shortly after Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reported that Arsenal were "investigating" a potential Tonali deal following an initial rejected approach.
Plettenberg, whose Bundesliga transfer intelligence has frequently proved accurate, saw his report contradicted by The Athletic's well-sourced David Ornstein. It was suggested that no negotiations between the clubs had occurred, with the speculation instead originating from Tonali's representative, Giuseppe Riso.
Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta was characterized as having appreciation for Tonali, but the practicalities of any agreement with minimal time left in the window meant that no deal materialized.
Responding to The Athletic's reports, Riso told Sky Italia: "Newcastle won't allow Sandro to depart in January. We haven't discussed this possibility with Arsenal."
Regardless of what discussions may or may not have occurred, Arsenal remains short one midfielder.
Arteta: Arsenal 'Actively Looking' for Mikel Merino Replacement
Arteta: Arsenal 'Actively Seeking' Mikel Merino Cover
"The update on Mikel came as a complete shock, particularly given the extended timeframe," Arteta expressed during his pre-match briefing before Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea.
"Therefore we are actively exploring possibilities and will persist in doing so. My schedule remains unchanged, though I'll be more occupied, and should we find a definitive answer, I'll attempt to execute it. If not, we'll proceed as we currently are.
"You must investigate and we must exhaust every avenue to determine if there's an available player. If not, we maintain our current roster," Arteta continued.
The Arsenal manager confessed he "isn't at ease" regarding the circumstances. "I believe we're addressing it and it's our duty when competing at our level to provide ourselves with the optimal opportunity and possibility to examine the market, every alternative, assess them and then decide whether to act, if feasible."
Mikel Merino Recovery Timeline
Mikel Merino Rehabilitation Schedule
Arteta typically remains guarded about injuries but made little effort to conceal his disappointment regarding the extent of Merino's problem.
"It's an extremely uncommon injury, so we must wait and observe following the surgical procedure," the Arsenal manager explained. "How it responds day by day, tracking it throughout each week. I'm confident Mikel will do everything within his power to return as swiftly as possible."
However, Arteta anticipated that his team will "likely be without him until the season concludes." There was even uncertainty about whether the Spanish midfielder would be fit for this summer's World Cup.
"We're hopeful," Arteta responded without conviction. "I'm uncertain, he must undergo a process that doesn't always yield positive results. He's an important player for us, someone with tremendous adaptability and ability to perform in multiple roles, and losing him is a significant setback."