Here are your top Newcastle United headlines for May 6.
The reason Newcastle United opted against Joao Pedro move
Newcastle United did not revive their bid to sign Joao Pedro from Watford ahead of the summer window - because Eddie Howe has moved on to other targets.
Chronicle Live has learned that Newcastle were aware of Pedro's desire to leave Vicarage Road, but the club's rapid rise up the Premier League has resulted in a change of direction with some potential deals. United will now turn their attention to other targets this summer after Brighton & Hove Albion signed Pedro from Watford last night.
A source close to the deal told us that Newcastle were not involved in any discussions this time around on Pedro. Newcastle are also much more relaxed when it comes to forwards with £63million Alexander Isak now settled on Tyneside and Callum Wilson in fine form
READ MORE: How early can Newcastle United qualify for Champions League - and Magpies' past top four record
The Brazilian youngster was the subject of a £30million bid last summer but the Hornets resisted any offers last summer and handed him a new contract. Newcastle are keen to sign another forward this summer.
You can read the full story here.
Newcastle to become part of 'Big Seven' says Arteta
The rise of Newcastle United under Eddie Howe and PIF could see the Magpies establish themselves as one of the Premier League's 'Big Seven' according to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Howe has worked wonders on Tyneside, transforming Newcastle from 19th in the league on his arrival to their current position of third.
And ahead of visiting St. James' Park on Sunday, Arteta did not shy away from hailing the squad on this season's achievements, with the Magpies needing just a few more wins to guarantee themselves a spot in the Champions League next season.
When asked if the 'Big Six' would become the 'Big Seven,' Arteta claimed: "They already are third in the league right now, and they merit that position with the way they have performed and the amount of changes they have made.
"They have made some very intelligent decisions as well, so they deserve to be where they are."
You can read the full story here.
Howe "not losing any sleep" despite Liverpool resurgence
Eddie Howe is not concerned by Liverpool's late-season resurgence despite Jurgen Klopp's men ensuring there can be no early celebrations at St James' Park.
By the time Newcastle kick off against Arsenal on Sunday, the Reds could be just three points behind the Magpies if they beat Brentford at Anfield on Saturday evening, albeit having played two games more.
When asked about Liverpool's late surge, Howe stated he was not shocked by a run of five wins in a row. The Reds also face Brentford, Leicester (a), Aston Villa (h) and doomed Southampton on the last day.
Howe said: "I don’t lose any sleep over it. I’m aware that Liverpool are a top team, so does it surprise me they’re able to go on a run of wins? No."
You can read the full story here.
Arsenal set for massive defensive absence St. James' Park
Arsenal may be without both of their first-choice centre-backs as they face off against a high-flying Newcastle side this Sunday. In what is a massive game for both sides, Mikel Arteta may be without both William Saliba and Gabriel, for his sides trip to Tyneside.
Gabriel is the latest of Arsenal’s injury woes having limped off in the Gunners 3-1 over Chelsea mid-week, with a suspected ankle problem. The Arsenal boss spoke to the media today and provided an update regarding the Brazilian’s fitness.
“We will have to see tomorrow how he is, but yeah he could not finish the game so that was a big sign for us," Arteta said. "We’ll have to see how he is tomorrow.”
Clearly not wanting to give too much away Arteta will know better than anyone, how important Gabriel is to this Arsenal side. Starting every single league game this season, the Brazilian’s consistency at the back will be a huge miss, if he is deemed not fit enough to play.
You can read the full story and find team news here.
READ NEXT:
Newcastle United boss considers playing Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson together vs Arsenal
Newcastle United's transfer blueprint explained by Eddie Howe ahead of summer window
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe rubbishes reports linking club with Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo
Erik ten Hag's Champions League response as Man Utd slip boosts Newcastle amid Liverpool chase
Mikel Arteta's message to Arsenal squad after last Newcastle visit amid Gabriel injury update
