Gordon tells friends he has outgrown Newcastle as Arsenal launch opening bid
Gordon's stance has shifted
Anthony Gordon has told people close to him that he believes he has outgrown Newcastle United and wants to test himself at a club competing in the Champions League, according to multiple reports on Thursday. The 25-year-old has not submitted a formal transfer request, but his camp has made it clear to interested clubs that he is open to offers and wants his future resolved before the World Cup begins in June.
Gordon is under contract at St James' Park until 2030, which gives Newcastle a strong negotiating position. But reports suggest the club's initial determination to keep him has softened, with a fee in the region of 80 million pounds now understood to be enough to open serious talks.
Arsenal move first
Arsenal are reportedly the first club to put money on the table. Multiple outlets on Thursday claimed the Gunners have tabled an opening bid of around 95 million euros for Gordon, who is said to prefer a move to the Emirates over other options. Working with Mikel Arteta and competing for the Premier League title and Champions League is understood to be Gordon's preferred scenario, and his representatives have already made Arsenal aware that he would welcome the move.
Arsenal's interest is not new. They have monitored Gordon for months and view him as a long-term option on the left side of their attack. With the club's Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid fast approaching, the timing of any deal is unlikely to be immediate, but the groundwork is being laid for a summer move.
Bayern Munich remain in the picture
Bayern Munich are also interested. Reports earlier this week indicated the German champions had opened talks with Gordon's representatives, and Vincent Kompany sees Gordon as competition for Luis Diaz on the left flank. Bayern are said to be willing to offer around 70 million euros, which would fall short of Newcastle's valuation.
Gordon's preference for Arsenal could prove decisive. Newcastle have little reason to accept a lower offer from Bayern when a Premier League rival is prepared to pay closer to their asking price, though the complication of strengthening a direct domestic competitor may give the Newcastle board pause.
Gordon has been one of the most consistent performers in Eddie Howe's squad this season, including a four-goal haul against Qarabag in the Champions League play-offs in February. Losing him would be a significant blow to Newcastle's hopes of pushing back into the top four next season.
Cricket Updates
