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Newcastle United are reportedly keen to sign many as four Arsenal players this month as Eddie Howe continues his overhaul of the squad at St James’ Park.
Newcastle are close to completing their first major signing since the Saudi-led takeover the club, with Kieran Trippier on the verge of joining in a £12m move from Atletico Madrid.
Howe is hoping to make further signings this month as Newcastle battle to avoid relegation this season.
The Magpies are currently second bottom of the Premier League, two points adrift of safety.
According to The Mirror, Howe has set his sights on Arsenal and is interested in as many as four players at the Emirates.
Top of the list is striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has not been selected for Arsenal in recent weeks after being stripped of the club captaincy following a disciplinary breach.
Aubameyang has not featured in Arsenal’s last six matches and the club is said to be willing to consider suitable offers for the 32-year-old.
The Gabon international is not the only striker linked with an exit from Arsenal, with Eddie Nketiah’s future also in doubt.
The 22-year-old has failed to sign a new contract at the Emirates and could leave on a free at the end of the season.
Arsenal may look to cash in on Nketiah in January, with Newcastle, Brighton and Crystal Palace all linked with the forward.
According to The Mirror, Howe is also interested in Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny.
The 29-year-old, who is currently on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, has struggled for minutes under Mikel Arteta – starting just one Premier League match this season.
Meanwhile, Rob Holding is the fourth Arsenal player to be linked with a move to St James' Park.
Like Elneny, Holding has found himself on the fringes this season and could seek a move away after falling behind Ben White and Gabriel in the Arsenal pecking order.
Speaking last month ahead of the transfer window opening, Howe said Newcastle would have to be “realistic” with their aims in January.
"We can’t be signing everyone. If we signed everyone we have been linked with we’d have a squad of 1,000 players,” he said.
"There has to be some realism. Players have to concentrate on their own future, get their own performances right."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Newcastle United, Eddie Howe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Football, Transfers, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan