Newcastle United issue emphatic response after star player linked with deadline day move to Arsenal

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg had said that Arsenal were 'exploring' a shock deal, though did admit that it was 'very difficult at this stage'.

It was also claimed that Newcastle had rejected an initial approach for the former AC Milan star.

Now, however, Newcastle have strongly shut down the story.

According to the Telegraph, the club have described the rumour as 'stupid' and 'complete rubbish', with Tonali not expected to leave St James' Park on the final day of the window.

Huge deals on deadline day are a thing of the past, especially when it comes to winter, and Tonali's importance to Newcastle means he'll likely still be there come the summer.

The 25-year-old has been a key player for Newcastle ever since arriving from Milan back in the summer transfer window of 2023.

His time in England was initially difficult, with the midfielder banned for 10 months for breaching Italian betting regulations.

Ever since, however, Tonali has bounced back to become a popular figure on Tyneside.

The midfielder helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup last season, with the 25-year-old playing the full game as Eddie Howe's men beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley.

This season, he's made 34 appearances across all competitions - though is yet to score.

Meanwhile, speaking last week, Howe suggested that Newcastle wouldn't be spending big before the end of the window when quizzed on their financial situation.

The Newcastle boss said: "I don't necessarily count the money. I will react to the information I get, and collectively we will come to the right decisions.

“I don't think it is a case that there is a pot of money stood there somewhere.

"I think PSR is constantly moving and changing depending on our income. So lots of things affect our income.

"So whether we are in the Champions League, how successful we are through the season, it is constantly changing.

"You can't ever really get one reading on it. It changes on a daily basis so we are having to react and change to that ourselves as we go through the season.

"All I can assure everybody is that there is money to spend, the club are willing to spend it, it is not a case of holding anything back.

"Of course, we have to comply within the rules we know how important that is."

Newcastle are next in action against Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday (8pm).

As for Arsenal, they'll face Chelsea in the same competition on Tuesday (8pm).