5 Arsenal players Unai Emery could sign for Newcastle

Football is the sport that keeps on giving. Even at times when all seems relatively settled something comes flying out of nowhere to take us all by surprise. Unai Emery potentially taking over the vacant Newcastle post being one such event.

There is always room for the unexpected and a current Champions League manager returning to the division where he endured the toughest spell of his managerial career to try and steer a Championship-level squad away from relegation is, as far as definitions go, a fairly apt one.

Already this week Arsenal have watched on as Antonio Conte has taken of the reins at Tottenham and the return of Unai Emery to the Premier League would top off classic week of off-field Barclays.

Sitting as pretty as they have done this term in sixth position after the 2-0 win over Leicester, Arsenal are looking down for a change, but with a touch of sideways. Such ongoings are unavoidable.

Arsenal: 5 Gunners players Unai Emery could sign for Newcastle if he takes over the role of manager at the Premier League side

It’s not certain Emery will be moving to Tyneside, however. In fact, it looks in doubt.

He remains the Magpies number one candidate to come in and steady their sinking ship, as they seek for a coach capable of organising a brittle team and maximising output from average players.

The deal is on a knife edge though, as Villarreal and Emery’s camps have been left infuriated by the strength of the reports on the eve of the Yellow Submarine hosting a crunch Champions League tie, reports George Caulkin.

Wages and personal terms are yet to be agreed and there is every chance this move falls flat on its face. Newcastle may to look elsewhere, and that could be Eddie Howe; someone who, if it was forgotten, got relegated in his most recent job 15 months ago. He did achieve a fair few promotions, mind you.

So, while it may not be, it will be fun to imagine that Emery is going to be handed the keys to St James’ Park. And if he does, the desire for Premier League experienced players who he is familiar with could see him raid his former employers. Or not, but it’s fun to delve into.

Update: Emery is staying at Villarreal. Yeah, it sucks. But this list is still fun

1. Hector Bellerin

One of the standout names in the Arsenal squad whom Emery could make a move for is Hector Bellerin, who will return from his simple loan at Real Betis with just one year left to run on his deal.

Out of favour under Mikel Arteta for large spells last season, his return isn’t expected to see Takehiro Tomiyasu move out of the team either and a sale is inevitable.

In a long, drawn out and ultimately failed effort to move Bellerin on for money in the summer, Villarreal were one of the sides keen on bringing the right-back back to La Liga.

When fit, Bellerin got plenty of minutes under his former manager and being still at a good age there is little reason for Emery to have changed his mind on wanting to sign him now he’s at least playing more regularly in Seville.

A cheeky summer bid? Why not!

Continued…