Arsenal Pursue Tonali After Merino Injury

Arsenal are pursuing a last-minute transfer deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali on deadline day, as the Premier League leaders seek to bolster their squad following a significant injury setback.

The move comes after confirmation that new signing Mikel Merino will be sidelined for an extended period due to a broken bone in his right foot, requiring surgery in the coming days. Arsenal announced the injury on Saturday, stating that Merino is expected to return to full training before the end of the season, with the club focused on his recovery. The Spaniard, who joined from Real Sociedad in the summer, had been integrating into the team but will miss several months, leaving manager Mikel Arteta short on midfield options midway through the campaign.

Tonali, a 25-year-old Italy international, has become a cornerstone for Newcastle since his £55 million transfer from AC Milan in 2023. The midfielder featured in 45 matches last season as the Magpies secured fifth place in the Premier League, and he has made 35 appearances this term, contributing four assists. His importance was underscored during a 10-month ban for breaching gambling regulations, which Newcastle...