Arsenal have been cautioned by Newcastle United against repeating the circumstances surrounding Alexander Isak’s departure to Liverpool last summer as they consider moves for Tino Livramento, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon. The summer transfer window officially opens on June 15th, and the Gunners are reportedly interested in all three Newcastle players, according to BBC Sport.
Discussions between Arsenal and representatives of Livramento have already begun, with the north London club impressed by the defender’s versatility, capable of playing on both the right and left flanks, as reported by FootballTransfers’ Steve Kay. Gordon is also attracting attention from Bayern Munich, as per The Times, while Tonali has been tentatively linked with a move to Manchester United as they plan a midfield overhaul.
However, The i Paper reports that Newcastle are determined to avoid a drawn-out saga similar to Isak’s transfer, where the Swedish striker went on strike to force a £125 million move to Liverpool. The Magpies struggled to find suitable replacements for Isak at the time, eventually signing Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade for a combined initial fee of £115 million, both of whom have underperformed this season.
Newcastle’s disappointing Premier League campaign, currently sitting 13th in the table, has been compounded by the struggles of Wissa and Woltemade to adapt to life at St. James’ Park. Wissa has scored only three goals in an injury-interrupted season, and the club are reportedly open to selling him this summer. Woltemade, despite netting 10 goals in 48 appearances, hasn’t scored since February.
Newcastle are aiming to secure back-to-back Premier League wins when they face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, having recently defeated Brighton 3-1, with Tonali featuring in midfield and Gordon remaining an unused substitute. Livramento is currently sidelined through injury. Arsenal, meanwhile, are focused on their title challenge, facing West Ham United on Sunday.
Newcastle’s handling of the situation is being aided by the appointment of Ross Wilson as sporting director in October, after a period without one during Isak’s transfer. The i Paper suggests Wilson and manager Eddie Howe have developed a strong working relationship, giving the club confidence in navigating potential transfer negotiations more effectively and avoiding prolonged player unrest.
