Updated: 17 May 2026 14:08 BST |
5 min read
Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their reported pursuit of Anthony Gordon after being told Bayern Munich are not considering alternative targets to the Newcastle United forward, according to reports in Germany.
The 25-year-old has established himself as one of the best wingers in the Premier League since joining Newcastle from Everton in January 2023, scoring 39 goals in all competitions for the Magpies.
Such has been Gordon’s impressive performances at St. James Park that Arsenal are understood to have a long-standing interest in signing him, according to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel.
However, despite those links with Mikel Arteta’s side, it has been widely reported that Bayern are favourites to sign Gordon this summer, with The Times claiming he is close to agreeing personal terms on a five-year contract with the German giants.
The same outlet claims there remains a gap in Newcastle and Bayern’s valuations of the England international, however, with Eddie Howe’s side believed to be holding out for a figure close to €86million (£75m).
While there remains no agreement on a fee for Gordon, there have been tentative reports suggesting Vincent Kompany’s Bayern are considering Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere as a possible alternative.
However, according to BILD sports reporter Christian Falk, Bayern are not currently in negotiations to sign the Belgium international, with the club understood to be channeling all of their efforts into signing Gordon.
In quotes carried by German publication CF Bayern Insider, Falk said: “It is true [that] Bayern Munich are not pursuing Charles De Ketelaere this summer. They are aware of the Belgian, and he’s within the wider focus of the club.
“However, it’s not anything like it’s being reported in Italy, in terms of there also being negotiations taking place. There are no negotiations with De Ketelaere at this point in time. Bayern are currently negotiating with Anthony Gordon, and the talks with Newcastle have already started.”
De Ketelaere has scored five goals in 40 games in all competitions for Serie A side Atalanta this season – eight less than he managed in 2024-25, and nine fewer than his 2023-24 tally.
Meanwhile Gordon, who has scored 17 goals in all competitions for Newcastle this season, has missed his side’s last four games – with the first two absences due to a hip flexor injury.
Gordon misses Newcastle’s last two games amid Bayern speculation
Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s final home game of the Premier League season against West Ham United today, manager Howe hinted Gordon may have played his last match for the club, amid Bayern’s interest.
When asked if Gordon had missed Newcastle’s last two games because he had one eye on the future, Howe said: “When you get to this stage of the season, part of what we will be doing we’ll be looking to next year, naturally, so yes.
“Anthony’s just come back from injury. I think the team has played well in his absence and with a partial view to the future, yes.”
And when pressed on the links with Bundesliga champions Bayern, Howe added: “No, nothing, no updates from me. These are discussions that potentially might be happening, but not with me.”
While Newcastle prepare to lock horns with relegation-threatened West Ham, Arsenal meanwhile will aim to move one step closer to winning the Premier League when they entertain Burnley on Monday.
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