Newcastle United
Forget Townsend – Rafa should instead sign this speedy West Ham beast for Newcastle United

Why West Ham boss Benitez should go for Antonio instead of Andros Townsend
Rafael Benitez enjoyed a fruitful return to the Premier League with Newcastle United. The Magpies didn’t really have the best of starts but certainly ended their season in style with a 3-0 win against Chelsea at the St. James’ Park.
The former Liverpool manager will now be aiming to bolster his squad ahead of the new campaign. Newcastle United have been linked with out of favour West Ham midfielder Michail Antonio. Benitez is reportedly interested in prizing away the versatile midfielder from the London Stadium.
New manager Manuel Pellegrini has come in and bolstered the squad with his own crop of players, which could see Antonio fall down the pecking order. The midfielder didn’t really feature regularly for the Hammers last season as well. A move could be on the cards and certainly seems possible.
Antonio generally operates as a winger but the former Nottingham Forest man is a very versatile player. He can play in a wide number of roles up front. Michail Antonio is capable of slotting into a central attacking role behind the striker and can comfortably play on both flanks. The 28-year-old has also previously played in a wing-back role, which will make him a very tasty prospect for Rafael Benitez.

The West Ham midfielder made a total of just 16 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist in that time. His campaign was blighted by injury problems and the winger failed to produce any sort of consistency. But that doesn’t really take his qualities away from him. In the previous two league seasons with the Hammers, he scored 9 and 8 goals respectively.
Antonio is pacy, both on and off the ball. His ability to wiggle past defenders was often on display with the Hammers and he also poses as an aerial threat. The 28-year-old boasts an impressive finishing ability and he could play in a number of roles for Rafa Benitez’s men.

Antonio would provide ample support to the likes of Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle. He would provide the Magpies width and the ability to stretch defenders out of their position using his marauding runs down the flanks.
Read more: Why Newcastle must hold onto their influential star amidst £25m West Ham interest
Also, Newcastle have been linked with a move for former midfielder Andros Townsend. Rafa Benitez should probably make the wise choice and go for Michail Antonio. The winger can provide the manager with a number of options due to his versatility, something that Townsend cannot replicate. He has shown that when given a regular run of games, the midfielder is very much capable of producing the goods. At Newcastle, Rafa Benitez could provide him with more game time and the right mentorship to help him grow as a player.
Arsenal
Newcastle United Tipped for Late Ethan Nwaneri Move as Arsenal Set Loan Preference

Newcastle United have been linked with a late move for Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri as the Magpies look to strengthen their midfield before the summer transfer window closes.
However, the latest information suggests Arsenal’s preference is for Nwaneri to leave on loan rather than be sold permanently. BBC reporter Sami Mokbel has reported that the Gunners want to protect their long-term investment in the 19-year-old while ensuring he gets regular first-team football.
The Premier League transfer window does not close for another few days. Clubs in England have until 11 pm BST on September 1 to complete their summer business.
Arsenal Want Regular Football for Ethan Nwaneri
Nwaneri spent the second half of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Marseille after finding opportunities at Arsenal limited. He made nine Ligue 1 appearances and scored twice during his spell in France.
Arsenal remain keen to see the academy product develop through regular senior football. Recent reports indicate that the club are therefore prioritising another loan opportunity rather than sanctioning a permanent departure.
That distinction is important given the latest speculation around Newcastle.
While the Magpies have been tipped to make a late approach, any proposal would have to fit Arsenal’s preference for Nwaneri’s next step.
Mikel Arteta has also indicated that Nwaneri’s future remains one of the decisions Arsenal must make before the window closes. The teenager’s situation is therefore still open, but there is no indication that Arsenal simply want to cut ties with him.
Newcastle Could Offer a Route to More Minutes
Newcastle’s interest comes after a major midfield change at St James’ Park. Bruno Guimarães, who captained the club, completed a £75 million move to Arsenal earlier this month.
The Magpies have also lost Sandro Tonali this summer, leaving their midfield in a period of transition ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Newcastle are now operating under new head coach Matthias Jaissle and have placed greater emphasis on younger players as they reshape the squad.
That could make Nwaneri an attractive option if Newcastle decide to pursue him. A loan would potentially give the midfielder an opportunity to play regularly at Premier League level while allowing Arsenal to retain control of his long-term future.
For now, though, Newcastle’s reported interest should not be treated as a completed deal or even a confirmed bid. The latest reports point to a possible late approach, while Arsenal’s clearest position is that a loan is preferable to a permanent sale.
With the deadline still approaching, Nwaneri’s next move is one of the Arsenal transfer situations worth watching.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United Sign Scotland Forward Martha Thomas From Tottenham on Two Year Deal as Striker Arrives

Newcastle United have secured Scotland international forward Martha Thomas from Tottenham on an undisclosed transfer fee, completing significant attacking recruitment for their Women’s Super League 2 campaign.
The 30-year-old striker arrives following three years establishing herself as consistent Tottenham performer, accumulating 13 goals across 66 competitive appearances whilst bringing proven elite-level experience from multiple top flight clubs including Manchester United and West Ham.
Thomas brings genuine international pedigree through her Scotland recognition alongside demonstrated consistency across multiple Women’s Super League environments, establishing foundation for her anticipated Newcastle contribution. Her productive loan spell at Liverpool during the second half of last season demonstrates continued elite-level capability despite her age profile, validating Newcastle’s investment in her proven goalscoring quality.
Experienced Striker Expresses Genuine Newcastle Ambition
Thomas articulated authentic enthusiasm regarding her Newcastle opportunity whilst specifically emphasising team culture as crucial factor influencing her commitment. Her language suggests genuine belief in Newcastle’s project rather than viewing the move as career wind-down arrangement, indicating confidence in the club’s competitive trajectory and squad development philosophy.
The forward’s emphasis upon competing with best teams combined with recognition of her work-rate contribution suggests appropriate mentality for supporting squad elevation during challenging championship campaign.
Newcastle Replace Departing Goalscorer Through Strategic Recruitment
Thomas becomes Newcastle’s ninth summer signing, representing comprehensive squad reconstruction supporting their championship objectives following Emily Murphy’s Brighton departure. Rather than simply accepting their leading scorer’s exit, Newcastle systematically acquire proven performers capable of delivering immediate competitive contribution whilst maintaining flexibility regarding alternative recruitment options.
This signing feels strategically important for Newcastle’s attacking reconstruction. Thomas arrives with established Women’s Super League experience combined with demonstrated consistency across multiple elite environments, providing proven goalscoring quality without requiring substantial developmental investment.
Her willingness to commit to Newcastle following her Tottenham tenure validates manager Tanya Oxtoby’s recruitment vision whilst suggesting genuine confidence regarding their championship campaign potential moving forward.
Also read: Newcastle United Sign Republic of Ireland Forward Leanne Kiernan From Liverpool on Permanent Deal
Newcastle United
Newcastle United Sign Republic of Ireland Forward Leanne Kiernan From Liverpool on Permanent Deal

Newcastle United have secured Republic of Ireland international forward Leanne Kiernan from Liverpool on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee, completing significant attacking recruitment.
The 27-year-old striker departs Merseyside following five seasons establishing herself as prolific goalscorer, accumulating 76 appearances whilst scoring 23 goals for Liverpool, finishing as the club’s second-highest scorer during the Women’s Super League era.
Kiernan brings proven elite-level goalscoring pedigree combined with genuine international recognition through her Republic of Ireland caps, establishing foundation for her anticipated Newcastle contribution during their championship campaign. Her consistent performance across multiple seasons at Liverpool demonstrates reliable quality capable of immediate elite-level contribution whilst her established experience provides leadership within squad structures.
Prolific Goalscorer Seeks Fresh Championship Challenge
Kiernan’s departure from Liverpool after five seasons suggests genuine desire for fresh competitive environment rather than forced exit, indicating she pursues new opportunity at optimal career stage. Her decision to join Newcastle rather than alternative elite clubs suggests genuine confidence in their competitive trajectory whilst indicating belief that the club provides ideal environment for her continued goalscoring development.
The striker’s extensive Liverpool experience combined with demonstrated consistency across multiple seasons establishes her as established performer capable of immediate impact within championship-level competition.
Newcastle Add Proven Attacking Quality Through Liverpool Exit
Kiernan becomes Newcastle’s significant attacking addition, providing genuine goalscoring quality capable of delivering immediate competitive contribution during their championship pursuit. Her prolific Liverpool record combined with proven Women’s Super League experience suggests seamless integration capability whilst offering established quality alongside potential development opportunities.
This signing feels strategically important for Newcastle’s attacking construction. Rather than relying exclusively upon emerging talent, they invest in established performer with proven elite-level capability and consistent goalscoring record.
Kiernan’s willingness to commit to Newcastle following her Liverpool success validates the club’s competitive ambitions whilst suggesting genuine confidence regarding their championship aspirations moving forward.
Also read: Brighton Commit to Long-Term Future With Maisie Symonds as Captain Signs Extended Contract
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