Arsenal could be boosted by the arrival of a much-needed number nine by the time they take to the field in Singapore on Sunday.
The Gunners have finished second in each of the last three seasons – twice to Manchester City and, most recently, to Liverpool – with the absence of a goalscorer regularly cited as the reason why they couldn’t get over the line.
Mikel Arteta has not exactly rushed to solve the problem but it appears the search is now at an end with Viktor Gyokores set to complete his protracted move from Sporting CP.
The Sweden international won’t be rushed into joining the rest of the squad in the Far East but his addition will boost the players as they head into the friendly against Newcastle.
And Arteta admits there is pressure this season to finally lift some silverware.
He said: “Pressure is a great word. I think that means that there is belief in our ability to achieve what we want to achieve. And we’ve been very, very close the last few seasons and the whole team is going to determine whether we achieve that or not.
“But we have to make sure that we don’t lose sight of what we have to do daily to get to the levels that we want, to set the demands that we want within this goal. Because that’s the most important one. The internal demands have to always exceed any external demand. That’s what we are trying to achieve every single day.”
If Arsenal’s transfer business is gathering pace – they have already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera in addition to the impending arrival of Gyokores – the same cannot be said for Newcastle.
While Arsenal are set to be bolstered the arrival of one Swede, Newcastle may be weakened by the departure of another with star man Alexander Isak at home on Tyneside pondering his future.
The club line is that the striker is not in Singapore as he is nursing a minor thigh injury but reports yesterday confirmed Isak was exploring a move away from St James’ Park.
Liverpool remain favourites to sign the 25-year-old while there is also interest from the Saudi Pro League.
It is not an ideal situation for the Magpies, who have already missed out on Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, James Trafford and Hugo Ekitike this summer.
Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes told Sky Sports: “Of course, he’s a top player, we know everything going on around him.
“We want to keep our best players. He’s a top striker, his last season speaks for itself. A top player, but as far as I know, he stayed because of his injury. We know the situation behind him but it’s not for me to speak about him, it’s something that the club will take care.”
Arsenal v Newcastle team news
Arteta will likely make changes from the side that beat AC Milan 1-0 on Wednesday. Martin Odegaard, Zubimendi and Myles Lewis-Skelly could all come into the starting XI.
Madueke is still on holiday but Mosquera is in Singapore and could make his debut appearance.
Newcastle were hammered 4-0 by Celtic last Saturday and some of their key men could step into the side against Arsenal.
Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and new signing Anthony Elanga came on at half-time at Parkhead but will likely start.
Expected line-ups for Arsenal v Newcastle
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Merino; Nwaneri, Trossard, Martinelli
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Miley; Elanga, Gordon, Osula
How to watch Arsenal v Newcastle: TV and online streams
Arsenal versus Newcastle kicks off at 1230 UK time on Sunday. It can be streamed on Arsenal TV and NUFC TV.
Stats for Arsenal v Newcastle
Newcastle have a good recent record against Arsenal, having won three of their last four encounters in all competitions
The Gunners did win their most recent fixture,, though, Declan Rice scoring the only goal at the Emirates in May
Prediction for Arsenal v Newcastle
Newcastle can’t seem to do much right off the field at the minute but they remain competitive on it.
That said, we think Arsenal have the squad depth to edge out the Tynesiders, particularly when the players tire in the latter stages.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle
