Newcastle United are hoping to strengthen their forward ranks this summer, and have quickly sounded out a new option, as Sportsboom reports that contact has been made for an Arsenal star.

The Magpies have already sold Anthony Gordon this summer, as he made a move to Barcelona, while further exits are expected in the attacking areas in the coming weeks of the transfer window.

While it’s unclear exactly what Eddie Howe‘s options will look like coming into next season, what is clear is that a refresh of the squad is desperately needed after such a disappointing Premier League campaign last time out.

Links with the likes of Victor Munoz and Anan Khalaili offer some young stars with exciting potential, but it appears as though some experienced operators could also be on the cards for Newcastle, if recent reports are to be believed.

Newcastle Want Gabriel Jesus

According to the report from Sportsboom, Newcastle are showing interest in Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus heading into the summer transfer window.

It’s claimed that the club have made contact to ask about the availability of the Brazilian forward, who is entering the final year of his deal at the Emirates Stadium.

The report adds that Howe is keen to add an experienced option to his forward line to help get Newcastle back towards the top of the Premier League table once again, with hopes of returning to European competition.

The 29-year-old has been quoted as being paid £265,000-a-week at Arsenal on his current contract, a figure that has proved to be a stumbling block for several sides who have been linked in the past.

As for this summer, Premier League rivals Everton have been linked with Jesus as an option to improve David Moyes’s depth in attack, while his former side Palmeiras have also emerged as contenders.

It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will formalise such a move with an offer for the versatile forward, though there may be reservations over a switch.

Doubts Over Gabriel Jesus Transfer

Any team eyeing a move for Gabriel Jesus this summer is likely to have the same reservations as the rest, mainly surrounding the Brazilian’s fitness.

The 29-year-old has been plagued with injury issues in recent seasons, the latest of which was an Anterior Cruciate Ligament issue that saw the star out of action for nearly a year.

In that time since, Jesus hasn’t looked quite the same player, missing that creative spark that seemed to make him such a threat earlier in his career.

While a full pre-season could help him regain that, it would be a risk for a club such as Newcastle to throw a lot at trying to get a deal over the line for the forward.

The Magpies need a streamlined and efficient squad, considering the lack of European football, and adding a potentially injury-prone forward who will turn 30 next April provides a clear risk, especially if a long-term contract is on the table.

Any move for Jesus would have to be on Newcastle’s terms, otherwise it should be one that they avoid.

Manchester United believe they have identified the next Declan Rice, and they may be able to sign him for £25million less than what the Arsenal midfielder was signed for.

Michael Carrick is looking to build on the success of last season that saw United finish in the top three and without much of a sweat. Such a high finish has been a rarity for the Old Trafford club over recent years, but fans are still going to want to see more progress come next season.

Carrick will likely be expected to lead the Red Devils into the title conversation, even if the title itself is likely to be a big ask, and silverware will also be close to the top of the wishlist, given United have not won a trophy since 2023.

Following his permanent appointment this summer, Carrick has immediately set about improving his midfield following the departure of Casemiro. Ederson has been brought in on a £34million deal from Atalanta, and the United boss still wants a clear replacement for Casemiro in the holding role.

But given how players like Rodri, Rice and Casemiro have highlighted the importance of having a world-beating holding midfielder over recent years, it has become one of the most expensive positions to invest in.

Not only that, but there are few truly elite options available, with the likes of Rodri, Rice, Vitinha and Moises Caicedo firmly unavailable. Proven world-class players at the position are rarely made available, and so it becomes a case of trying to identify players who have the potential to become what those proven talents are.

Man Utd identify the next Declan Rice

As United search for their Casemiro replacement, they have reportedly identified the ideal option in West Ham star Mateus Fernandes. With the Hammers having been relegated, United feel as though they can get a deal done for Fernandes, who, according to Sky Sports, club chiefs feel was one of the best young players in the Premier League this season.

The report adds that United feel as though Fernandes could be the next Rice, and not just because he is an emerging West Ham talent. Fernandes was clearly West Ham’s best player, albeit during a difficult season, and he proved he could handle a Premier League midfield despite being just 21 years of age.

The youngster was in the conversation for the Portugal World Cup squad, but he was beaten out by Mallorca’s Samu Costa, who is also being linked with a big move this summer. Costa will be the alternative to Vitinha, who is quickly succeeding Rodri as the best player in the world in his position.

West Ham signed Fernandes from Southampton in 2025 for a fee of £38million, and they are said to be asking for at least £80million to do business this summer. That’s £25million less than Arsenal paid for Rice, and transfers have only increased in cost since then. Still, United may feel they can work the Hammers down a little, given the London club are Championship-bound, and indeed the fact Fernandes is likely to demand an exit this summer.