Newcastle eye 4 Arsenal transfer moves in January window

The January transfer window is either fascinating or grating depending on how one views the outpouring of rumours that fill the headlines. If the papers are to be believed then Arsenal have already been busy.

Midfield and centre-forward are the most discussed areas of the squad with Mikel Arteta faced with a mess of a striker situation and a dearth of bodies in the centre of the pitch.

Desperate work is underway to move Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both free to discuss pre-contract agreements elsewhere with the pair having less than six months to run on their deals, and a temporary home for Folarin Balogun needs finding.

Then there is Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ impending departure to Roma, a move that is set to be finalised prior to the visit of Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. Surely another midfielder needs bringing in in that case.

Newcastle eye transfer moves for four Arsenal players in January window as Eddie Howe seeks reinforcements to avoid Premier League relegation

But as exciting, or tedious, as the window may be for Arsenal, what about Newcastle United? The Magpies’ Saudi Arabia-backed takeover was completed in October to end Mike Ashley’s 14-year reign (of terror) at the helm. New majority shareholder, Public Investment Fund, has a reported collective wealth of £320bn. Not million. Billion.

What they do in this window is what most supporters are drawn to. It doesn’t overly matter what fees they need to pay or what wages their targets will demand, they can afford it. With a reported budget of around £200m they are allowed to spend, their toughest job will be convincing players that a relegation battle under Eddie Howe will be worth it.

Links to players across Europe have emerged, just as they have at Arsenal.

As per The Telegraph, on the extensive list of targets the Tyneside club has drawn up there are four Arsenal players in contention for a January move to St James’ Park.

Could any of the four be bidding farewell to north London? After all, Howe’s preference is firmly on those with English top-flight experience.

1. Rob Holding

Age: 26
Contract expiry: 2024 (with 1 extra year option)
Possible fee: £20m

Newcastle are no strangers to Arsenal, having paid a whopping £25m to sign Joe Willock over the summer in one of the best pieces of business the Gunners have managed to wrangle in many years.

They’re also no strangers to Rob Holding, having been within a whisker of signing the defender on loan for the 2020/21 season. Arteta’s late intervention stopped the done deal short, partly believed to be over concerns with William Saliba’s development.

Well, Newcastle have kept their eyes on the Englishman, as he features on a list with Burnley’s James Tarkowski, Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly, Tottenham’s Joe Rodon, Everton’s Mason Holgate and Liverpool’s Nat Phillips. Lille’s Sven Botman has been the leading candidate but the French side continue to rebuff approaches and insist he’s not for sale.

Howe can’t transform Newcastle’s style overnight with the quality of players he has, and as far as penalty box/low block centre-backs go, Holding is a reliable choice in this division. He’s got bags of experience, is at a good age, and being a northern lad may not be against the idea.

From Arsenal’s point of view, however, he’s second choice for both centre-back slots and letting him go would be a huge risk unless there are viable options in the market to replace him with.

Does £20m sound about right? Probably, if we’re estimating.

Verdict: Far from out of the realms of possibility, what would hold this deal back is Arsenal having to dip into the market for a replacement, at a time where the fixtures are piling up.
Likelihood: 4/10

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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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3. Eddie Nketiah

Age: 22
Contract expiry: 2022
Possible fee: £6m

What is going to happen to Eddie Nketiah? Simple: he will leave Arsenal. The question is, where?

Already having spoken to clubs abroad about a potential move in the summer when his deal expires, given his age and experience it would be surprising were Nketiah to favour a move to Europe over staying in the Premier League. If he was still 20 years of age or younger then he might have been inclined to go to the Bundesliga for a while.

All of which is conjecture, so who knows.

But among the usual suggestions of Brighton and Crystal Palace, Newcastle are also watching the striker with his name said to have ‘featured prominently’ on the club’s transfer wishlist.

It would be one of the more clever moves Newcastle would make: Nketiah would cost a minimal fee at best, is a penalty box predator who doesn’t need many chances, is at an age where he would still have resale value, and is well versed in the division. He ticks a lot of boxes for them.

As for Arsenal, even if he only has six months to run on his deal, the desperation for goals at sides like Brighton and Newcastle could force them to act in this window, and a mini-bidding war could ensue. What kind of fee might that be? Probably £5m-£6m tops.

That might be a push, though. Still, much better than nothing, right?

Verdict: If anyone is willing to pay money for Nketiah this window then sell him. Lacazette will continue to lead the line and Martinelli can play as number two. It might force the club to reintegrate Aubameyang, however.
Likelihood: 5/10

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4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Age: 29
Contract expiry: 2023
Possible fee: £20m

The standout one among them all. Whatever may come this window, Aubameyang’s Arsenal days are numbered. There is no way that this isn’t his final season with the club despite having another year to run after this one.

Will be be moved on in January? It’s no secret now that Arsenal are frantically searching for suitors this month with his involvement in the team not only at risk from a mental and emotional point of view, but also from a position of quality.

Arsenal are playing their best football under Arteta without the 32-year-old and getting him and his £350k-per-week wages shifted would do miracles for the wage structure.

It’s going to be so tough, though. Newcastle have been linked with a loan move that includes an option to buy for £20m, which at present is the only known offer Arsenal have received. Even that is only mentioned from one source.

This report states that his wages and AFCON involvement could put Newcastle off, and while it hasn’t been completely ruled out, ‘unlikely, but never say never’ is said to be the feeling around it.

Verdict: It’s one thing convincing Newcastle and it’s another thing having Aubameyang want the move. He won’t be fancying a relegation scrap.
Likelihood: 2/10