Eddie Howe shuts down Anthony Gordon Newcastle exit rumours as Arsenal links gather pace | OneFootball

Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has been linked with a big-money move to Arsenal and Manchester United in recent weeks, but manager Eddie Howe isn’t having it.

The English manager wasted no time shutting down the “irrelevant” speculation and called on his countryman to remain focused heading into the twilight of the campaign.

The Magpies are set to host Everton at St. James’ Park, looking to turn their woeful Premier League form around.

Newcastle are heading into the game in fine form, having won four of their last five games across all competitions (L1).

But that’s merely a smokescreen to mask their woeful domestic form. Howe’s side have lost four of their last five Premier League games (W1).

Their only victory in that horrendous run came in North London when they beat relegation-battling Tottenham Hotspur 2-1.

Given what’s at stake, Howe wants all his players pulling in the same direction as they look to turn things around, so speculation linking Gordon with a summer exit does Newcastle no good.

Reports claim Arsenal are leading the race for the England international, who is set to welcome his former employers to Tyneside.

Howe has admitted that he can do little to stop the rumours, but made it clear that the timing makes them little more than background noise.

“I’m not sure there’s a lot I can do about that,” Howe said during his pre-match press conference. “I’ve not seen the story, so it’s news to me.

“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 Anthony in the summer as well.

“He’s not got time to look left or right. He’s got to be fully focused on straight ahead and the next game, and trying to be as good as he can be.”

When asked if he’s concerned that such rumours could affect Gordon, Howe said: “I think it’s irrelevant really. It’s how the players take to that.

“If the players absorb it and it affects them, then of course that’s a negative. But I think they will become robust enough to ignore it and concentrate on playing.”

Gordon is the latest Newcastle star linked with a move to Arsenal. The Gunners have also been linked with Sandro Tonali, who is admired by Man United.