Premier League Star Delivers Brutal Transfer Rejection to Arsenal and Liverpool Pursuit

Newcastle United striker Anthony Gordon has dismissed speculation linking him with moves to Arsenal or Liverpool, firmly calling the transfer rumors "complete nonsense."

Gordon has been consistently connected with a departure from Tyneside for several months. Arsenal presents the appeal of being current Premier League table-toppers while title holders Liverpool represent the team the Merseyside native supported as a child. Both English powerhouses clearly require a left-sided attacker but it seems they must look for alternatives elsewhere.

Following his impressive four-goal first-half display in Newcastle's Champions League clash with Qarabağ on Wednesday evening, Gordon faced questions regarding the transfer speculation surrounding him. "Concerning me?" he responded. "I haven't noticed them. What's being reported?"

When Gordon heard the mentions of Arsenal and Liverpool, he responded: "It's the typical story repeating itself. I believe they simply draw names randomly. They certainly do. I haven't been informed of anything; perhaps they should notify me before informing you [journalists].

"I have experienced sufficient transfer speculation by now to recognize that it's all complete nonsense."

Who Should Arsenal, Liverpool Target Instead of Anthony Gordon?

Who Should Arsenal, Liverpool Target Instead of Anthony Gordon?

Gordon might be unavailable, but Arsenal and Liverpool's requirement for a fresh left winger persists. The Reds haven't found a replacement for Luis Díaz and lost another wide option following the heartbreaking loss of Diogo Jota. Cody Gakpo has experienced a disappointing season while Rio Ngumoha's development from youth prospect to senior squad member has been predictably inconsistent.

Arsenal possess multiple left wing alternatives, though it should raise concerns that their most reliable option is 31-year-old Leandro Trossard. Eberechi Eze might still function in that role with suitable teammates, but Gabriel Martinelli presents a profile that could benefit from significant improvement should he depart this summer. Considering he currently has just one Premier League strike with 70% of the campaign completed, there isn't substantial production to replace.

Paris Saint-Germain's vastly undervalued talent Bradley Barcola represents the most attractive target for both teams. The 23-year-old French player can function across all three forward positions, tops Ligue 1 in non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes and places seventh for average expected assists. However, when PSG's squad is at full strength, he doesn't feature in Luis Enrique's preferred starting eleven.

This situation results from playing at a club that already features Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Nevertheless, this competition might create an opportunity for Arsenal and Liverpool to strike.

The intensity and speed of Ligue 1 offers perhaps the ideal preparation for Premier League challenges, but should England's two giants prefer domestic shopping, Gordon's teammate Harvey Barnes might prove an attractive alternative.

Were Arsenal, Liverpool Looking at the Right Newcastle Player?

Were Arsenal, Liverpool Looking at the Right Newcastle Player?

Statistics via Opta.

Aside from his unusual four-goal performance against Qarabağ, Gordon produces far fewer goals than Barnes. The latter maintains an impressive team-high 0.37 non-penalty xG per 90 minutes for a Newcastle team that has again struggled to manage European competition demands, consistently cutting inside from the left onto his stronger foot with a predictable but difficult-to-stop maneuver.

What Barnes doesn't possess are Gordon's athletic attributes. However, that explosive speed isn't necessarily crucial for teams like Arsenal and Liverpool who frequently face organized defensive blocks. Nobody questions Martinelli's pace, he simply lacks the room to utilize it.

Someone like AC Milan's Rafael Leão offers to combine elegance with power but might be too unreliable to risk, particularly if the Italian club maintains their steep asking price for the unpredictable attacker.

Iliman Ndiaye has regularly impressed for Everton this season, creating numerous dangerous attacking chances for one of the league's more defensive teams. Nevertheless, there would be a Premier League premium attached to the African international.

The comprehensive recruitment networks of Arsenal and Liverpool have likely been searching for a new left winger for months, possibly years. They may well both strengthen that position this summer, but if Gordon appeared on any potential target lists, he's removed himself from consideration.