Eddie Howe issues spiky response to Anthony Gordon Arsenal transfer rumours

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has labelled speculation linking Anthony Gordon with a move away from the club as ‘irrelevant’. The forward has been linked with potential switches to both Manchester United and Arsenal .

Recent reports suggest that Arsenal have moved ahead in the race for the former Everton man. Asked about that speculation, Newcastle boss Howe has admitted that he is powerless to stop rumours but believes Gordon will not be affected by talk over his future.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of this weekend’s clash vs Gordon’s former club Everton, he said: “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. 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.

“He's got not 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.

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“I've been really impressed with him the last few weeks, I think he's been in a good place. Playing in a central position, I think he's done really well and we want him to continue that good form."

Asked whether he's at all concerned the fresh talk will affect Gordon, Howe said: "Only if he reads it, I suppose. In this age there's always rumour and speculation.

"I don't see probably 90 per cent of it, I'm sure the players probably see more than I do. But I think it comes with the territory of being a top player and playing at this level, that there's going to be 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."

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Howe added: "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.

"And I think these things only come into focus really when windows are open, and that's for me when the player should be, if at all, thinking about their futures. Because in the meantime everything they do in between affects their future. And all they can do is play at their best level and that's what I'd encourage them to do."

Gordon, 25, joined Newcastle from Everton in 2023 and has gone on to score 36 goals in 144 appearances in all competitions. He remains under contract with the North East club until 2030.

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