Arsenal were not in direct contact with Newcastle United with regards to a transfer for Sandro Tonali on Monday, it has been revealed.

Rumours emerged on deadline day that the Gunners were exploring the possibility of tempting the Italy midfielder to the Emirates Stadium, as Mikel Arteta scouted the market for a short-term replacement for injured Mikel Merino.

It was revealed on Sunday that the Spaniard is set to have surgery on his foot as a result of injury.

It will come as a crushing blow to Arsenal fans, given just how instrumental the 29-year-old has been to the club's success this season. Meanwhile, a club statement suggested that Merino will be side-lined for an 'extended period' as he continues his rehabilitation.

It 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 now have surgery in the coming days, and will then begin his recovery and...