Talk about a plot twist. As we were growing tired of reporting the links between Manchester City and one of Newcastle’s players, it now looks like another Premier League giant might be ahead in the race to land him.
Arsenal seems to be monitoring Magpie defender Tino Livramento ahead of the summer transfer window, adding another layer to ongoing speculation around the 23-year-old’s future who seemed to be nothing but destined to join the Cityzens before next season.
Pep Guardiola’s side had previously
been viewed as the leading contenders if Livramento were to leave St James’ Park. However, The Telegraph is reporting that Arsenal are now keeping a close watch on the England international as they assess defensive reinforcements even amid a title-winning season.
“Arsenal are keeping a close watch on Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento as they consider making a summer bid for the England international,” Luke Edwards wrote. “Livramento will have two years left on his contract at the end of the season and has not yet shown a willingness to extend it. That makes Newcastle vulnerable and has attracted the attention of Arsenal.
“Newcastle would still like to keep the 23-year-old if he is willing to discuss a new deal before the transfer window opens, but they recognise that his market value could drop if he does not agree fresh terms.”
Livramento joined Newcastle from Southampton in 2023 for around £32 million and has featured on both flanks in Eddie Howe’s system. The report states Newcastle’s valuation would be in the region of £60 million.
“Given the money invested in the defender, who is equally comfortable on the left and right sides of defence, Newcastle’s asking price would be around £60m,” Edwards wrote.
Arsenal’s interest could complicate the already-stalled contract for a Livramento extension, particularly as the defender shares the same agent as Mikel Arteta—you do the math, folks.
The Telegraph also noted that Arsenal may need to sell at least one first-team player this summer before committing to major additions, which has been widely reported of late as the Gunners might be a bit tight on the financial front.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have publicly declared their desire to retain Livramento, but his contractual situation, international presence, and likely World Cup impact, and an ever-growing external interest have positioned him as one of the club’s key summer talking points and a very possible sale candidate.
