Eddie Howe Confident Tonali Will Stay Put at Newcastle Unlike Isak

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe believes Sandro Tonali has no intention of forcing an exit from the club, even with rumours connecting the Italian star to Arsenal.

Speculation about a last-minute switch to the North London side on Monday was swiftly dismissed after Italian media suggested one of Tonali's agents reached out to Arsenal.

The club's pre-season efforts were overshadowed by the drama involving Alexander Isak, who pushed for a record-breaking £125 million ($171 million) transfer to Liverpool in September.

When questioned on the possibility of Tonali causing a repeat scenario next summer, Howe expressed faith in the 25-year-olds dedication.

"I doubt that, though plenty occurs beyond what I know," Howe remarked on Tuesday.

"From what I see, we have a top-class player and a top-class individual. He is content here, enjoys strong bonds with me and his colleagues, and appears genuinely settled, so it would catch me off guard.

"Still, our key talents will naturally draw interest from rivals, that is football for you.

"Our aim is to hold the squad intact, keep advancing, and naturally Sandro contributes to that by reaching peak form and supporting the team maximally."

Howe made no secret of his disappointment at failing to bolster the team in the transfer period, amid injuries and a demanding fixture list with Newcastle competing in four tournaments.

Although supported by Saudi investment, Newcastle's spending remains limited by profitability and sustainability regulations.

"We truly had little choice," he continued.

"Over the past four or five windows, we have only acted once, so financial limits apply, demanding careful decisions, and we chose to hold off until summer."

Newcastle's League Cup campaign is in jeopardy before Wednesdays semi-final return fixture at Manchester City.

Howe's squad lifted the trophy last term, ending a 70-year domestic drought, yet must reverse a 2-0 first-leg loss at Pep Guardiolas outfit on their turf.

"It will be a massive test, with few tougher than an away game at Manchester City," Howe noted. "Yet we trust in our abilities and will throw everything at it."