Newcastle United face a difficult visit from Arsenal following the conclusion of the international fixtures.

The Magpies remain in the relegation zone of the Premier League following a dismal start to the season. Newcastle have picked up just one point from their opening four fixtures which came in the draw with newly-promoted Cardiff City. Things do not get any easier for Rafael Benitez with a visit from in-form Arsenal next on the agenda.

Off-field problems surrounding the club’s ownership continue to plague the team. Supporters have grown frustrated under Mike Ashley’s tenure and are desperate for the businessman to sell the club. But with no offers forthcoming, it’s likely the Englishman will not relinquish control as long as the club remains in the top tier of English football.

With funds likely to be restricted again in January, Benitez should launch an audacious attempt to sign Real Madrid wonderkid, Vinicius Junior, on loan. Valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, the 18-year-old joined Flamengo at the age of ten and quickly rose through their youth ranks, earning a call-up to Brazil’s U15 national team at age 13. Vinicius eventually made his first-team debut for the club in May 2017 but was later snapped up by Real Madrid for £40.5m – a world-record fee for an 18-year-old.

Vinicius was loaned back to Flamengo until the end of the season, and the youngster was officially unveiled by Madrid in July 2018. He is yet to feature for Los Blancos and has been linked with a loan move to aid his development. However, he will not be returning to Brazil and Newcastle should offer him the chance to move to England.

Benitez has close ties to Madrid after spending the entirety of his youth career at the club as well as a brief spell in charge of the club in 2015. Sending Vinicius to learn under the Spaniard’s guidance could be excellent for his development would give Newcastle’s forward line a huge boost.

It would be a masterstroke of a signing if the Magpies could pull it off.

Newcastle fans, thoughts?