Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has issued a direct plea to star winger Anthony Gordon, urging him to disregard mounting speculation linking him with a potential summer transfer to Arsenal. The call comes as Gordon enjoys a rich vein of form, having scored four goals in last week's Champions League play-off first-leg victory over Qarabag.
Transfer Rumours Emerge Amidst Critical Season Phase
Reports emerged on Friday suggesting the 25-year-old forward has become a target for title-chasing Arsenal. Howe, who is still navigating the repercussions of Alexander Isak's departure to Liverpool last summer, expressed his desire to avoid a similar saga but conceded his limited power to prevent such rumours from circulating.
Speaking ahead of Newcastle's Premier League clash against Gordon's former club Everton, Howe stated: "I'm not sure there's a lot I can do about that. I've not seen the story, so it's news to me." He emphasised the critical juncture of the season for his player, adding: "But we're mid-season, we're in the middle of some of the biggest games of his career and who knows what's going to happen internationally with him in the summer as well?"
Howe's Direct Message to Gordon
Howe delivered a clear message about maintaining focus: "He's got no time to look left or right, he's got to be fully focused straight ahead on the next game and trying to be as good as he can be." Gordon, who earlier this month dismissed rumours of an exit from the club where he signed a new long-term contract in October 2024, is aiming to maintain his impressive form to secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for this summer's World Cup finals.
Howe remains hopeful that the ongoing transfer talk will not unsettle his player. When asked if he feared Gordon might be affected, the 48-year-old manager responded: "Only if he reads it, I suppose. In this age, there's always rumour and speculation."
Broader Context of Newcastle Transfer Speculation
Howe also addressed the broader trend of numerous Newcastle players being linked with moves away from St James' Park, including Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Malick Thiaw, Sandro Tonali, and Nick Woltemade. He challenged the media on the source of these stories: "You tell me. It's your industry that's creating those stories. I think it's irrelevant, really. It's how the players take to that."
The manager added: "If the players absorb it and it affects them, then of course, that's a negative. But I think our players are robust enough to ignore it." The comments came as the club awaits their Champions League last 16 opponents, either Barcelona or Chelsea, adding another layer of importance to maintaining squad stability and focus during this crucial period.
Howe concluded with practical advice for dealing with transfer speculation: "I think you've just got to put it out of your brain and you've got to focus on the football because as we know with our schedule, there's so many games, there's no time for distractions. We have to be fully focused on each match."
