Arsenal are reportedly chasing a surprise deadline-day move for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. It's been a quiet month for the north Londoners, who haven't made any first-team signings ahead of Monday's 7pm cut-off. However, that could be about to change in the final hours of the window as they push for Tonali's signature.

Direct talks between Arsenal and Newcastle have already taken place, according to Sky Sport Germany. The story was revealed on Sky Sports News on Monday morning with the Gunners hoping to pull off a blockbuster move ahead of the deadline. It would certainly come as a surprise, with no suggestion that Arsenal were interested in Tonali before their interest emerged on the last day of the window.

That said, the report adds that a deal will be extremely difficult to complete because Newcastle haven't given the green light. They will almost certainly resist any attempts from Arsenal to sign Tonali with so little time remaining to find a replacement.

A move isn't completely off the table just yet, with the Premier League leaders still pushing to land the 25-year-old before the window closes.

Tonali remains tied down to Newcastle until the summer of 2029, having recently extended his deal at St James' Park with the option of a further year.

The midfielder has played in every Premier League game so far this season, making 21 starts and three substitute appearances for the Magpies.

Tonali provided the assist for Nick Woltemade's goal in Newcastle's narrow defeat at the hands of Arsenal back in September.

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Arsenal's interest in Tonali comes after it was revealed that Mikel Merino would be sidelined for a long period of time because of a foot injury.

The versatile midfielder will undergo surgery in the coming days, meaning he won't be available for the north Londoners for the foreseeable future.

A club statement read: "Further to sustaining a foot injury towards the end of our game against Manchester United on January 25, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed Mikel Merino has a bone injury in his right foot.

"Mikel will have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme. Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season.

"Everyone is fully focused on supporting Mikel to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."