Arsenal Lead Liverpool and Man United in Battle for Newcastle's Anthony Gordon

Arsenal have edged ahead of both Liverpool and Manchester United in the scramble to land Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon ahead of the summer window, according to fresh reports.

The 25-year-old has been a revelation since arriving at St James' Park from Everton for £45million in January 2023. He featured prominently as Newcastle lifted the Carabao Cup last season and has since accumulated 36 goals and 28 assists across 144 appearances in black and white.

While Gordon has publicly maintained his contentment on Tyneside, there remains a nagging sense that his head could be turned. Liverpool's interest has been well documented, yet the prospect of a move to north London appears to have gained genuine traction.

Mikel Arteta is understood to be a longstanding admirer of the winger's qualities, particularly his versatility through the middle as a centre-forward. The Arsenal manager views Gordon as a priority addition to the left flank, with sources suggesting the player would be receptive to a switch to the capital.

However, Newcastle are playing hardball. The Magpies are demanding a fee in the region of £95million for their prized asset, who remains contracted until 2028. Arsenal's initial approach has reportedly centred on a £75million offer, though a realistic settlement is believed to lie somewhere between £75-80million.

Should Gordon arrive at the Emirates, Gabriel Martinelli's future would likely come under scrutiny, with the Brazilian's departure described as probable. While Gordon would represent an upgrade in certain respects, the valuation remains a significant undertaking.

The former Everton prospect has shown flashes of brilliance but has not always demonstrated the consistency demanded at the game's elite level. Playing alongside superior talent and competing for major honours, however, could unlock another dimension to his game.

Arsenal sit atop the Premier League table and harbour ambitions of an historic quadruple. The Gunners have reached the Carabao Cup final, where they face Manchester City; the FA Cup fifth round against Mansfield Town; and the Champions League last 16, with Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta awaiting.

The summer window promises to be hectic regardless of Gordon's destination. Christian Norgaard, signed for £10million, is understood to be seeking an exit after failing to register a single Premier League start this term. The midfielder always faced an uphill battle given the presence of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, but the lack of opportunities has reportedly prompted a reassessment.

Ben White, meanwhile, is keen to command more regular minutes and has attracted interest from Barcelona. The right-back has been hampered by injury and has found himself unable to dislodge Jurrien Timber from the starting eleven.