Arsenal lead the race to sign soon-to-be out of contract Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff, according to Mirror Sport, who could see the Gunners shift one of their older guards this summer.
The 20-year-old midfielder has been the subject of much interest over the past few months, as the Magpies have wrestled with his representatives over a new contract.
Steve Bruce admitted in February that he was concerned that the Tyneside outfit wouldn’t be able to get Longstaff to commit, and now with TEAMtalk confirming that the £3.6 million-rated midfielder would prefer to leave, Arsenal have moved into position to sign him.
Mirror Sport report that Arsenal will face plenty of competition for Longstaff’s signature this summer, with a total of eight other clubs having expressed an interest in the younger brother of Magpies regular Sean Longstaff.
Should the Gunners press ahead with their interest and subsequently bring Longstaff to the Emirates, it could spell the end for some of their more senior midfield rearguard.
Naturally suited to playing in a defensive midfield role, although more than capable at playing in a more advanced role, Longstaff could be considered a potential long-term successor to Mesut Ozil given his versatility.
Granit Xhaka has experienced a serious upturn in form since his future was thrown into doubt towards the backend of 2019, while at just 24-years old, it could be unwise for Arsenal to let Uruguayan Lucas Torreira leave just yet.
At 31-years old, Ozil will need to be replaced in the not-so-distant future, and with his contract approaching its final 12 months, Arsenal could look to cash in before they lose the German for nothing.
