Anthony Gordon to Arsenal 'preference' forces Eddie Howe to speak out on Newcastle transfer

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Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal this summer

Rumours linking Anthony Gordon with a potential move to Arsenal have led to a response from Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.

The Gunners have been credited with an interest in signing Gordon over the last few weeks, whose future at St James’ Park continues to generate speculation.

Arsenal are battling to win the Premier League title and have a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid to prepare for later this month, and yet there are still reports linking the club with potential new signings for this summer.

Gordon is one of the players to be linked with a move to Arsenal, with Bayern Munich also mentioned as a potential suitor for the England international.

As a result of the recent speculation, Howe has addressed the rumours linking Gordon with a move away from Newcastle, and was asked if he has held any conversations with the forward about the rumours.

“I discuss things with players all the time. I don't discuss transfer speculation unless it gets to a point I have to,” Howe told Chronicle Live.

“One thing I will not do, I will not play any player I don't think is 100% committed to the club. I'm not talking about Anthony there, I am talking across the board.”

Howe also spoke about how the speculation about players’ futures may affect their performances, as Gordon continues to be linked with a move away from St James’ Park.

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“I don't want to use that as an excuse,” Howe said. “Players of the high profile we have here are in the news all the time.

"You have to adapt to it and play to your best level with the noise around you.

“I don't think any player can use that as an excuse and certainly the lads know collectively we need to play better and that is what we will be trying to do.”

A report in The Sun recently claimed that, if Gordon was to leave Newcastle, he would favour a move to London over other cities, which would in turn hand Arsenal a welcome boost.

Gordon is reported to be valued at around £75million, and it remains to be seen if Arsenal will pursue a deal for the 25-year-old this summer amid the ongoing speculation.