Newcastle threaten to beat Arsenal and Tottenham to clever January steal that’ll oust senior star Howe loves

Newcastle have emerged as a serious contender to sign a perfect player for both Tottenham and Arsenal, and a cut-price January arrival could see a senior star axed, per reports.

The Magpies have wasted little time turning the ‘big six’ into a ‘big seven’. Newcastle sit third in the Premier League table and with the advantage of having free midweeks without European football post-Christmas, are expected to maintain their charge for Champions League qualification.

Tottenham have the same ambition, while Arsenal are aiming even higher with a first title since 2004 in their sights.

All three clubs could strengthen in January to aid their respective causes. According to reports out of both England and Italy, the trio have converged over the same target.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka is the player in question, with centre-half a point of contention at all three sides.

Arsenal envisioned Lisandro Martinez being a left-back when they bid for the now-Man Utd star over the summer. However, they also saw his potential to back up Gabriel Magalhaes at left centre-back.

Tottenham pushed for a high profile upgrade on Ben Davies in Antonio Conte’s back three. Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni was pursued, but they ultimately plumped for Clement Lenglet on loan who is only a short-term fix.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are understood to be keen on phasing out the old guard signed in the Mike Ashley era. Among those tipped to leave in 2023 is club captain Jamaal Lascelles who has fallen down the pecking order at centre-back since Dan Burn and Sven Botman’s arrivals.

Manager Eddie Howe remains a firm fan of Lacselles and loves his leadership and attitude. However, Newcastle have ambitious owners and every department in their squad will see upgrades signed in the coming years.

Newcastle and Tottenham most fancied for Ndicka

Football London previously reported 23-year-old Ndicka – who is left-footed – is on Arsenal’s radar for January. However, according to Italian outlet romagiallorossa.it, Newcastle and Tottenham are fronting the queue.

Their report stems from interest in Ndicka from Italian pair AC Milan and Roma.

However, both Serie A sides are understood to be trailing Newcastle and Spurs in the race. Arsenal do not get a mention, though it’s rather cryptically claimed ‘other Premier League clubs’ are ‘strong’ on the idea of signing Ndicka.

Ndicka helped Frankfurt lift the Europa League last season and did draw criticism from Jamie Carragher for being “too aggressive”.

However, that is a trait that can be managed, especially in the Premier League where referees give the players more latitude in the physicality department.

Lisandro Martinez earned a reputation as an aggressive centre-back in the Netherlands, though has fitted in seamlessly since moving to Old Trafford.

Ndicka is out of contract in the summer, something that’s prompted talk of a mind bogglingly low fee if anyone does come calling in January.

The prior Football London report stated he could leave for as little as £7m. That lowly valuation is a direct result of Frankfurt’s weakened position due to his contract status and would represent a bona fide steal.

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