Sandro Tonali: Newcastle midfielder ‘very happy’ at club amid Arsenal links

“He’s very happy and engaged, so I find it difficult to talk about things I don’t know much about.

“I can only speak about Sandro as a person and a player, and his mentality here and now. After I discussed things with him yesterday, he is absolutely fine.”

Tonali explained that he was “happy” at Newcastle in November, but said it was “difficult” to think long-term.

The Italian initially signed a five-year contract when he joined Newcastle from Milan in 2023.

Tonali was keen to repay the faith Newcastle showed in him during the betting ban – when he was unable to play for 10 months – and went on to sign a new one-year contract.

Newcastle also have the option to activate a further 12-month extension until 2030, putting the club in a strong position.

Although Newcastle lost Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer, Howe feels the club is now in a better position to “navigate those waters in a much calmer and clearer way” following the arrival of sporting director Ross Wilson.

“Our best players will always attract the attention of other clubs,” he added. “That’s just the reality of football.

“We want to keep the group together. We want to keep progressing, and of course Sandro plays a part in that by trying to reach his best level and playing as much as he can to help the team.

“In any case, I don’t see a problem, but I don’t control everything.”