- Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon absent against AFC Bournemouth
- Magpies claim that England international has picked up injury
- Absence comes after week of transfer links to Arsenal and Liverpool
Arsenal and Liverpool will have had their heads turned today amid news that Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon has not been included in the matchday squad to face AFC Bournemouth this afternoon.
The Telegraph had claimed this week that Gordon had informed the club that he was keen to depart this summer, feeling he had outgrown the project on Tyneside.
Gordon joined Newcastle from Everton for £45 million in January 2023 and has gone on to register 39 goals and 28 assists in 152 outings. The winger has 10 goals in 12 Champions League outings this season, but has netted just six in 26 league fixtures.
Arsenal and Liverpool linked with Anthony Gordon transfer
There had been talk of growing interest from Bayern Munich in the player’s services this week with Arsenal also holding ‘long-standing admiration’ for the former Everton man. Liverpool also came close to signing Gordon in the summer of 2024.
On Friday, transfer specialist Sebastien Vidal shared an update that the club would be looking for £83 million to sanction a sale, which is above the £80 million first reported.
Newcastle United stated that Gordon had been left out against the Cherries due to a hip-flexor injury. However, the prominent feeling from the fanbase is that the player had been excluded as an act of protection following a week rife with rumours – in a move similar to that taken with Alexander Isak last year.
Arsenal wingers Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli could finally make their Emirates Stadium exits this summer, having been linked with sales in recent windows. Meanwhile, Liverpool are in the market for a Mohamed Salah replacement.
Newcastle United boss on Gordon speculation
In his press conference, Howe was asked if transfer speculation could be a distraction for his players. He said: “I don’t want to use that as an excuse. Players of the high profile we have here are in the news all the time. You have to adapt to it and play to your best level with the noise around you.
“I don’t think any player can use that as an excuse and certainly the lads know collectively we need to play better and that is what we will be trying to do.”
In other news, ‘Bid Submitted’: Newcastle United make offer for £70m-rated Europa League star.
