Eddie Howe is set to make one current Arsenal star his top transfer priority this summer as Newcastle plan a huge spending spree in a bid to challenge in the Champions League.
After hammering Tottenham 6-1 at St James' Park on Sunday, Howe's side lie third in the table, five points clear of fifth placed Aston Villa having played two games less. Indeed, only a remarkable dip in form would prevent the Toon Army from dining at Europe's top table for the first time since the in the 2002/03 season.
Since their controversial takeover by a consortium of the Saudi Public Investment Fund in October 2021, the club have thus far resisted the temptation to pay extortionate fees for players. But that could be set to change this summer with the owners wanting to bolster the squad with an inevitable expanded fixture list.
According to The Sun, a top four finish will mean Howe handed £150 million to bring players in. And although Dan Burn has filled in admirably at left back for much of the season, the English boss is keen for an out and out specialist in that position.
And a move for Arsenal's Kieran Tierney is now being touted. Tierney arrived from Celtic ahead of the 2019/20 campaign for a fee of £25 million, helping the club to an FA Cup win. The 25-year-old Scot proceeded to become one of Mikel Arteta's most consistent performers in the two years that followed.
But the signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko has limited his game time in this 2022/23 season. Indeed, he was an unused substitute as The Gunners drew 3-3 with Southampton on a Friday night, a potentially damaging result to their title ambitions.
It's led to speculation over his Arsenal future, with Howe seemingly ready to pounce. And he's far from the only target, with Bayer Leverkusen Moussa Diaby also being tracked after impressing with his displays in the Bundesliga.
Indeed, Newcastle are set to delve into Europe with former Leeds man Raphinha from Barcelona, also on Howe's wish list. And furthermore, he's lining up a double raid of Turkish side Fenerbahce to sign Arda Guler and Ferdi Kadioglu.
Howe's men have a big chance to cement their top four place this week with two games against teams battling relegation. They go to Everton on Thursday, before hosting rock bottom Southampton on Sunday.
