Newcastle United handed major ‘boost’ in bid to land La Liga star as Ian Wright makes Magpies prediction

Newcastle United are now preparing to take on Arsenal as they look to wrap up Champions League qualification.

The Magpies are six points ahead of Liverpool in fifth place with a game in-hand, and they know a couple more wins will likely wrap up a top four finish. Their next task is no easy one, however, with Arsenal in town on Sunday, and the Gunners know they need to win if they have any hope of catching Manchester City in the title race.

As preparations for that one ramp up, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding St James’ Park.

Veiga links

Newcastle are said to be interested in signing Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga this summer.

The Magpies have been mentioned in a number of reports along with Veiga, while Real Madrid were also being tipped to make a move this summer. According to Diario AS, though, Veiga appears more likely to end up in the Premier League.

Tottenham, Newcastle and Wolves are said to be among the most likely to sign the youngster, who is just 20 years old. The midfielder made his Spain under-21s debut earlier this season.

Wright verdict

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has been discussing his old club’s clash with Newcastle this weekend.

“Newcastle are having a great season themselves, and they’ll see Arsenal coming there as a team that they have to beat,” the Gunners legend told Arsenal’s official website. “I’m sure it’s gonna be a tough game. But I’m confident that we’ll go up there with this win [against Chelsea], knowing that we can cause some problems, just like they can.

“Some of the lapses we had in the second half that Martin Odegaard was talking about, I don’t think we can afford to do that at Newcastle. Chelsea were nowhere near it; Newcastle will be. So we need to go there with an attitude of ‘we must win again’.”