Shields Gazette journalist Liam Kennedy has named Eddie Nketiah among five potential targets for Newcastle United in the summer transfer window. 

The lowdown

The 22-year-old made 29 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions over the course of the 2020/21 season, scoring six goals. One of those - a 97th-minute equaliser against Fulham in April - was of great assistance to Newcastle as they looked to move clear of the relegation zone.

The England under-21 international is valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt but is about to enter the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has previously hailed him as an 'extraordinary' young talent.

The latest

In a fan Q&A for the Shields Gazette, Kennedy outlined Newcastle's likely approach to the summer market - a focus on loan deals, free transfers and 'squeezing as much value as they can' out of a 'reduced' budget.

He said that a deal for Nketiah may be 'explored', along with moves for free agent Josh King, Leicester City's Hamza Choudhury, QPR defender Rob Dickie and Chelsea's Ross Barkley.

The verdict

Even with limited funds, there are still shrewd deals available to Newcastle. However, the problem with Nketiah is whether Steve Bruce could fit him into the team.

Callum Wilson has the centre-forward berth tied down at St James' Park after a prolific season, and it seems unlikely that the Arsenal man would consider the move if he would only be providing 'competition' for the 29-year-old.

He may have more desirable offers on the table, in which case it seems unlikely that he'll follow Arsenal team-mate Joe Willock to Tyneside.

In other news, Mark Douglas has offered the latest on the pursuit of Nketiah's team-mate Joe Willock.