Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Wed 22 April 2026 15:30, UK

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Newcastle United are set to be without Anthony Gordon for Saturday’s trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The winger was missing from the squad for last week’s loss to Bournemouth, with links surrounding his future gathering pace.

Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Arsenal are reportedly among the clubs monitoring Gordon’s situation, which is expected to result in his sale this summer.

The Magpies will retain hope of the England international deciding to stay and are in a position of power, with his contract running until 2030.

But Newcastle transfer chiefs will have a recent memory of Alexander Isak’s exit saga last summer, which has had lasting damage at St James’ Park.

Anthony Gordon scenario seems familiar

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider last week that Newcastle are ready to accept a big offer for Gordon, with some early reports claiming that the asking price will be around £70million.

The winger has enjoyed a good season despite the Magpies’ troubles, and could well boost his price tag with a strong showing at the World Cup this summer.

The difference in stance when it comes to Gordon than the one taken when Isak was attracting interest last summer – absolutely not for sale – likely comes down to both the lack of Champions League football, and a desire to avoid a similar situation.

Newcastle attempted to deny the Swede his desired move to Liverpool last summer and faced a player who would not train or play before he eventually forced his way out, leaving Eddie Howe without his danger man.

The doubt surrounding Gordon’s participation against Arsenal on Saturday already seems of familiar intention, with the Daily Mail reporting that he missed training on Tuesday through an apparent hip issue.

Newcastle cannot risk Alexander Isak repeat

Isak’s long, drawn-out exit last summer left Newcastle massively unprepared for the season and with replacements they had to rush to complete deals for.

Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have both struggled to adapt to life at St James’ Park, and the Magpies would have undoubtedly been better off spending more time on their plan to replace the Swede.

Accept an offer earlier, and Newcastle may well have signed another striker who eventually went to Liverpool, Hugo Ekitike.

This summer, the same mistake cannot be made. Gordon’s wishes must be established quickly, and his departure dealt with before the closing stages of the window.