Roy Keane believes Newcastle United now have what it takes to compete with Arsenal to sign players of European quality with the hope of playing in the UEFA competition's next season. The Magpies' end to the 2021/22 campaign was something to be admired as they propelled themselves towards safety, finishing just seven points adrift of the Europa Conference league spot.
Last year's takeover at St. James' Park has made Newcastle one of the richest clubs in world football and there's been no shortage of ambition shown in the previous two transfer windows. The arrivals of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes in January have paved the way for Europe's elite, with Sven Botman and Nick Pope following suit this summer.
James Maddison and Timo Werner could also follow suit with the Magpies linked with moves for the Premier League stars, although reports claim Chelsea are about to reject a loan move for the German international. The fact that Newcastle are linked with two players of that ilk is a far cry away from past transfer windows.
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There's plenty of optimism on Tyneside ahead of next season and although the Magpies are some way from attracting the world's best talent, Keane believes they're on the right track. Speaking to Sky Bet's Big Questions, he said: "Yeah they’re definitely shopping, looking for better players. Of course, that’s stating the obvious and if a player was given an option with Newcastle or Arsenal then they might be in the mix.
"In terms of the other clubs and the brilliant players who play Champions League football regularly and want to win trophies, then I still think Newcastle are down the pecking order. If they have an unbelievable season next year and all of a sudden you’re thinking, yeah they are in European football, they managed to win a cup then it’s a different attraction but at the moment, I think the real brilliant players - it wouldn’t be Newcastle, I don’t think so.
"They’ve done a bit better but they’ve got to attract the top players. As much as you’ve give them a wage, the players you mention (Guimaraes, Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson) they’re all good players, don’t get me wrong but the other four, five big teams in England wouldn’t be going after these lads. I think the really brilliant players still wouldn’t be going to Newcastle."
Former Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness also took part in the debate, adding: "The standard of the Premier League is so high, the kind of players Newcastle will be looking at now will be attracted to the Champions League teams - maybe not all in our country - but they will be attracted to teams in playing the Champions League next year and that’s the attraction for players.
"The point I want to make is there will be two stages, if not three, stages to this process, they will get players that got them out of trouble and get them a nice healthy position up the table, they will improve next year by getting better players and then by doing that you make yourself attractive to the players that will join you."
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