Newcastle preparing late Chelsea move that could strand Arsenal, as Eddie Howe eyes replacement for star sold against his wishes

Newcastle will lodge a ‘final enquiry’ into the signing of a Chelsea midfielder on deadline day as Eddie Howe pushes to replace a star he didn’t want to sell, and success could leave Arsenal stranded, per reports.

Jonjo Shelvey is on the verge of completing a switch to Nottingham Forest and will sign a two-and-a-half year deal. The 30-year-old has featured over 200 times for Newcastle, though has been afforded just three league appearances this term.

Nevertheless, the Telegraph and CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs both reported manager Eddie Howe was reluctant to let Shelvey leave.

The imminent exit will leave the Magpies a man light in midfield as they push to secure Champions League qualification.

However, Shelvey’s contract was expiring in the summer and Jacobs noted Newcastle felt like they had no choice but to cash in while they still could.

With Shelvey on the move, the Telegraph report Newcastle will make a late play to sign Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.

The 22-year-old was recently the subject of a £45m (£40m up front, £5m in add-ons) bid from Everton. However, Gallagher had no desire to sign up for a relegation scrap.

The England international counts Crystal Palace and Newcastle among his suitors too. A move to the soaring Magpies would obviously hold far greater appeal.

Chelsea are seeking a high profile sale to help balance the books and free up space within their squad. Gallagher is one player who could depart if the finances fit, and the Telegraph reckon Newcastle will explore a move.

Only an outright sale will reportedly suffice for Chelsea, and that’s where the difficulty for Newcastle lays.

Gallagher is a long-term Newcastle target and a permanent move has been ‘contemplated’. However, they fear Chelsea will price them out of a move given the two clubs are now direct rivals.

While Everton bid £45m, it’s claimed Newcastle could be quoted ‘an asking price well in excess of £50m’. Newcastle could open the chequebook if they desire, though it’s noted doing so would in turn take away from their summer budget.

Whether Newcastle are able to secure a late deal for Gallagher could have major ramifications on Arsenal’s midfield hunt.

The Gunners have turned to Jorginho with their Moises Caicedo pursuit hitting a Brighton brick wall. Chelsea will only allow one midfielder to leave and if Gallagher departs, Jorginho will be retained.

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