Newcastle eye 4 Arsenal transfer moves in January window

Newcastle United's English manager Eddie Howe (R) and assistant Jason Tindall gesture from the side-lines during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on November 27, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 21: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal reacts during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on December 21, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) /

2. Mohamed Elneny

Age: 29
Contract expiry: 2022
Possible fee: £4m

Newcastle, wanting to rebuild a squad capable of staving off relegation and then moving up into the top half of the Premier League and beyond, want to sign Mohamed Elneny?

Apparently, they do.

Not only have the rumours been around for a while, the report adds that Elneny has been ‘scouted extensively’ by Newcastle as they seek to halt their plunge down the table.

Logically speaking, it’s not a terrible idea for them. Experienced in the division, comfortable on the ball, solid enough at maintaining possession and with excellent stamina, he could offer some greater reassurance in the centre of the park without all the bells and whistles. Even a short-term deal with some kind wages might do the trick.

Would it suit Arsenal? Egypt are favourites to win AFCON so Elneny won’t be around for January anyway, thus if they can get a minor fee for a player who will barely feature it feels like a no-brainer.

Verdict: Even if Elneny will barely play, it’s still too much of a risk to let him (and possibly Maitland-Niles) leave with midfield numbers so thin. It’s also no great loss to let him stay for another six months and pick up small wages before allowing him go for free. If an offer comes in and a replacement can be sourced early though, then push on through.
Likelihood: 5/10

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