Newcastle United top target emerges and Arsenal transfer blow

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has spoken of his desire to sign at least one more player before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Magpies kicked off the season in impressive fashion with a 5-1 home victory over Aston Villa with new signings Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes both getting on the scoresheet. While Tino Livramento watched on from the substitutes bench.

Newcastle were one of the standout teams in the Premier League last season and they are hoping to improve on their impressive fourth place finish in this campaign.

But Newcastle also face a new challenge this year as they balance the demands of Premier League football with European nights at St James’ Park.

Squad depth could play a key part in the North East club’s hopes of progression, but who are the main targets for the Toon Army in the last few weeks of the window and who is likely to leave St James’ Park.

Here is everything you need to know.

Lewis Hall emerges as top target for Newcastle

Newcastle United had the joint best defensive record in the league last season and conceded just 33 goals in the top-flight.

However, it is also an area where Newcastle are fairly light on numbers and it appears that left back is a priority position for Eddie Howe’s side.

This has led to speculation over a move for Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall, who enjoyed a great breakthrough season last term.

The 18-year-old broke into the first team under former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and remained a regular squad player under Frank Lampard.

He is experienced at all youth levels with England and is also capable of playing in midfield, when called upon.

Reports suggest that Newcastle are keen on making a loan move for the player, with a potential option to buy at the end of the season.

However, the Magpies are likely to face competition from Crystal Palace who are also interested in the player's services.

Chelsea have spent huge amounts of money on new recruits this season and Hall was not included in the squad for his side's opener with Liverpool.

Newcastle remain keen on Kieran Tierney but move may be in doubt

Newcastle are reportedly keen to sign a left back this summer to add competition to Dan Burn and Matt Targett and another viable option could be Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney.

The former Celtic captain has experience in the Champions League and has been credited for his ability to bomb forward and create chances.

However, he has struggled for first team football at Arsenal and made just six appearances last season, which prompted rumours of a move away.

But a potential transfer seems to have been put on ice at the moment, with debutant Jurrien Timber suffering a long term injury on his Arsenal debut against Nottingham Forest.

Fellow Arsenal left back Oleksandr Zinchenko is still recovering from an injury at the end of last season, which leaves Tierney as his team’s most experienced left back, although right sided defender Takehiro Tomiyasu did offer cover in that area from the subs bench.

What does the future hold for Ryan Fraser?

Ryan Fraser impressed in Eddie Howe’s early months in charge of Newcastle during the 2021/22 season, but he was frozen out of the team later in the campaign with Howe stating that he only wanted players who are “fully committed” to the cause.

This has prompted rumours of a transfer away from SJP for the former Bournemouth winger, who has not featured since October 2022.

Fraser started his football career in Scotland with Aberdeen and he has been heavily linked with a move back to the division with reigning champions Celtic.

Brendan Rodgers is keen to strengthen his team ahead of the campaign as they look to defend their title and progress beyond the Champions League group stage for the first time in 10 years.

Fraser’s best individual campaign came in 2018/19 when he registered a total of seven goals and 14 assists in the Premier League and Rodgers will hope to rediscover this form if he can complete the deal.

Fraser is currently under contract at Newcastle until 2025 and it is not yet clear if Celtic are eyeing a loan move or a permanent switch.