Key Points
- Arsenal have cooled their initial interest in Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon due to concerns over his recent form.
- Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown revealed Arsenal’s stance to Football Insider, stating the player’s performances have not met the high standards expected at the Emirates Stadium.
- Brown highlighted that big clubs like Liverpool are monitoring Gordon’s situation, but Arsenal are unlikely to pursue unless his form improves significantly.
- Newcastle United may be open to a deal, yet Arsenal remain unmoved amid speculation about Gordon’s future.
- Comparisons drawn by Brown favour Chelsea’s Noni Madueke over Gordon, describing Madueke as a bigger threat with more direct play.
- Arsenal’s existing wide options, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard, make Gordon a “luxury” they do not need.
- Brown warned that pursuing Gordon would represent too big a risk for Arsenal given the potential cost of such a transfer.
North London, Arsenal (North London News) January 22, 2026 – Arsenal have decided against pursuing their initial interest in Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon, despite hints that the Magpies might entertain offers for the winger. Speculation surrounding Gordon’s future has grown in recent weeks, yet the Gunners appear resolute in their stance. This development comes amid concerns over the player’s form, as revealed by industry insiders.
Why Have Arsenal Cooled Interest in Anthony Gordon?
As reported by Mick Brown, former chief scout at Manchester United, in an exclusive to Football Insider, Arsenal have backed away from early interest in Gordon due to his underwhelming recent performances.
“The Gunners have backed away from their early interest,”
Brown stated, pointing out that Gordon’s form “hasn’t hit the high bar expected at the Emirates.” He emphasised that the 25-year-old England international has not consistently delivered the quality required for a club challenging on multiple fronts.
Brown’s insights, published on Football Insider’s platform dedicated to transfer news, underscore Arsenal’s pragmatic approach in the January transfer window. The North London club, under Mikel Arteta, prioritises players who can immediately elevate the squad rather than those carrying question marks. Gordon’s inconsistent displays this season, particularly in key matches, have evidently failed to convince Arsenal’s recruitment team of his suitability.
This cooling of interest persists even as Newcastle United signal potential openness to negotiations, according to reports circulating in the football media. Vitalfootball.co.uk, in their Arsenal section, noted that “Newcastle United might be open to a deal,” yet Arsenal “seems set on passing on the winger for now.” The Magpies’ financial fair play considerations could facilitate a departure, but the Gunners show no inclination to shift position.
What Form Concerns Are Holding Arsenal Back?
Mick Brown of Football Insider elaborated on the specific issues with Gordon’s play, comparing him unfavourably to other Premier League wingers. “Big clubs like Liverpool are watching developments closely,” Brown observed, suggesting that Gordon’s situation remains fluid elsewhere.
“Nevertheless, they will likely look elsewhere if Gordon doesn’t start playing better soon,”
he added, indicating a broad consensus among elite teams.
In a direct assessment, Brown claimed he would select Chelsea’s Noni Madueke over Gordon “every time.”
“He [Madueke] looks like a bigger threat and plays more directly,”
Brown told Football Insider, highlighting Gordon’s perceived lack of end product and directness. Madueke’s explosive pace and goal threat have caught attention, contrasting with Gordon’s more laboured contributions at Newcastle.
Arsenal’s hesitation aligns with their squad depth in wide areas, a key factor in this decision. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli continue to perform reliably week in, week out, providing dynamism and output from the flanks. Leandro Trossard serves as a dependable backup, versatile enough to cover multiple roles. As Brown concluded,
“Arsenal’s current options out wide are a big reason for this stance,”
rendering Gordon surplus to requirements.
How Does Newcastle View a Potential Gordon Exit?
Reports from Vitalfootball.co.uk indicate that Newcastle United might entertain offers for Gordon amid ongoing transfer speculation.
“Speculation regarding Anthony Gordon’s future has intensified lately,”
the outlet stated in their coverage, noting Arsenal’s reluctance despite this openness. The Tyneside club faces pressures to balance the books, potentially making high-profile sales viable.
Gordon, who joined Newcastle from Everton in January 2023 for around £40 million, has been a regular starter but has struggled for consistency this term. His eight goals and six assists in the 2025/26 season so far represent solid but not spectacular returns for a player of his pedigree. Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, values Gordon’s work rate, yet financial imperatives could override sentiment.
No official bid has materialised from Arsenal, and sources close to the club suggest no change of heart is imminent. Football Insider’s report, via Mick Brown, reinforces that
“they aren’t changing their minds even with hints that Newcastle United might be open to a deal.”
This positions Arsenal firmly in observer mode as the window progresses.
Who Else Is Monitoring Anthony Gordon?
Interest in Gordon extends beyond Arsenal, with Liverpool among the clubs keeping tabs, as per Mick Brown’s comments to Football Insider. The Reds, perennial contenders, have long admired the winger’s pace and versatility. Brown’s remark that “big clubs like Liverpool are watching developments closely” hints at a competitive market should Newcastle lower their demands.
Chelsea’s Noni Madueke emerges as a benchmark in Brown’s analysis, with the ex-Manchester United scout preferring the Englishman over Gordon. Madueke’s direct style aligns more closely with what top clubs seek, potentially influencing Arsenal’s thinking. Vitalfootball.co.uk’s cross-category links to Manchester United and Liverpool coverage suggest interconnected scouting networks tracking Gordon.
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta boasts a wealth of options, diminishing the urgency for Gordon. Saka’s creativity, Martinelli’s pressing, and Trossard’s intelligence provide a balanced attack. Brown summarised the risk:
“The club would be taking too big a risk on such a pricey deal,”
alluding to Gordon’s likely £60-70 million valuation.
What Are Arsenal’s Priorities This Window?
The Gunners’ transfer strategy emphasises value and fit, sidelining luxury additions like Gordon. With Champions League ambitions, Arteta focuses on midfield reinforcement and defensive cover, areas deemed more pressing. Gordon represents a “luxury they don’t really need,” in Brown’s words to Football Insider.
Newcastle’s stance adds intrigue, but Arsenal’s form—unbeaten in 10 league games as of January 2026—bolsters confidence in the current setup. Vitalfootball.co.uk captured the essence:
“Arsenal Cool Interest in Gordon Amid Form Concerns,”
tying the decision to performance dips.
Broader Implications for Gordon’s Career?
Gordon’s crossroads moment could define his trajectory. At 25, he craves a platform for England regulars status, yet form slumps risk stalling progress. Brown’s stark comparison to Madueke underscores the competition in the winger market.
Arsenal’s pass signals to Gordon that elite elevation demands peak output. Liverpool’s interest offers hope, but Newcastle’s grip tightens unless bids persuade. As Mick Brown put it, improvement is non-negotiable: “If Gordon doesn’t start playing better soon.”
This saga exemplifies the Premier League’s ruthlessness, where talent alone insufficient—results rule. Arsenal, ever-calculating, prioritise squad harmony over speculation.
