Arsenal add Newcastle United forward to shortlist | OneFootball

Arsenal Consider Ambitious Move for Gordon Amid Wide Options Review

Gunners continue aggressive summer rebuild

Arsenal’s summer business has already been head-turning, with deals for Viktor Gyokeres, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, and Martin Zubimendi pushing total spending close to the £200 million mark. However, the club’s work in the market may not be done yet.

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Caught Offside reports that Arsenal are assessing a high-profile move for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon as Mikel Arteta searches for long-term depth and quality on the left flank. The 24-year-old joins Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze on a three-man shortlist of exciting wide targets.

Focus shifts to left-wing reinforcements

With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard currently rotating in the left-wing role, and youngster Ethan Nwaneri recently signing a new deal, competition in that position is growing. Still, Arsenal are determined to raise the ceiling.

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“There is still a long time left in the market and it wouldn’t shock me if Arsenal still look to do something,” said Charles Watts to Caught Offside. “We know they are looking at options for that left-sided attacking role, with Eze, Rodrygo and Gordon believed to be of interest.”

Gordon, who joined Newcastle from Everton for £45 million in 2023, has developed into one of the Premier League’s most dynamic wide forwards. He scored nine goals and provided seven assists last season, helping Newcastle qualify for the Champions League and lift the Carabao Cup.

Gordon valuation presents financial test

Any move for Gordon would require a significant financial outlay. Reports indicate Newcastle have placed an £80 million valuation on the England international. The Magpies are under no pressure to sell, and the chances of a deal decrease further if Alexander Isak, also linked with an exit, leaves this summer.

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Still, Arsenal remain admirers. The player’s energy, directness and ability to press from the front align with Arteta’s tactical requirements. The Gunners may also face competition from Liverpool, with Gordon having supported the Merseyside club in his youth.

Rodrygo and Eze also tracked

Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo is long-standing, though Real Madrid are in no rush to part ways. Any deal for the Brazilian would exceed £78 million, while Eberechi Eze remains another realistic option, with Arsenal reportedly willing to pay £55 million. Palace, however, continue to hold out for £68 million.

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For now, Arsenal’s wide recruitment strategy appears fluid, shaped by budget flexibility and market developments in other top Premier League clubs.

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Arsenal are not just looking to strengthen for the present, they are building a squad with the depth and intensity required for a full-on title push and deep Champions League run. Gordon, at 24, fits the age profile, brings Premier League experience, and has the type of high-energy game Arteta likes.

But £80 million? That feels steep. Especially with questions around consistency and end product still lingering. For a player who had a breakout campaign but is yet to hit double figures consistently in league goals, that valuation reflects more on the current transfer market than the player’s actual output.

Fans will also be wary of pushing out talents like Nwaneri or stagnating the development of Martinelli. If Gordon arrives, someone is going to lose minutes, and not all supporters will see that as a justified trade-off.

There’s also the bigger picture. Spending heavily on another winger, while midfield depth, full-back cover and forward rotation could still be addressed, may not align with what many supporters see as priority areas.

Still, there’s excitement. Gordon’s fearless style and pressing instincts are traits that would endear him to the Emirates crowd. But it needs to be at the right price, and at the right time. Otherwise, the risk outweighs the reward.