Former Newcastle United boss tips Magpies for Saudi Arabia transfer amid Arsenal links

Newcastle United have been told to sign one of the players being linked with a Saudi Arabia exit. The Magpies could do with some reinforcements having endured a difficult start to the season.

Eddie Howe's men could drop into the bottom half this weekend, and that's a far-cry from last season's top four finish. The situation is not helped by summer signings Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes having minimal impact, with Barnes having spent months out injured, while Tonali is suspended for the season.

But Newcastle have put themselves in a tricky situation after their summer spending, now unable to spend significantly more due to being close to their Financial Fair Play situation. The Magpies are going to need to crunch the numbers to make signings, and they could look at getting discounted deals from Saudi Arabia, with a number of players being linked with rapid returns from the Middle-East.

Poor attendances and other factors are said to have made for an upcoming exodus, and the likes of Karim Benzema and Roberto Firmino are being tipped to return to the Premier League. Amid those links, former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew believes the Magpies should be interested in Firmino, who was previously a favourite at Liverpool

“I don’t see that [Arsenal],“ Pardew said of Firmino to Arsenal links, speaking to TalkSport. He added: “They have Jesus there and that’s the same role really. But he is a top player and character. The morale compass that he has got going is great. You can bring him in and you know everyone is going to love him. The fans as well. He’s a good signing. I think Newcastle would be a nice spot for him. They could be interested.”

Whether Newcastle can afford Firmino is another question, but the Brazilian is now 32 years of age, so the upfront fee is not likely to be a huge one if he does indeed leave. Wages would likely be significant, but Newcastle need some extra help from somwhere, and they should have some room to bring in a player or two, especially if there is no transfer fee involved.