Newcastle need Premier League quality and Harry Arter fits the bill.
Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter has been quoted by the Daily Mirror as saying that he could leave the Vitality Stadium in the summer with West Ham United said to be interested – but should Newcastle United consider a move?
The 28-year-old was a mainstay in Eddie Howe’s side last season, but the breakthrough form of Lewis Cook alongside Dan Gosling has seen the 11-time Ireland international drop down the pecking order.
Arter has failed to feature in the Cherries’ last four outings, remaining an unused substitute against Arsenal, Chelsea and Stoke City while failing to even make the squad against West Ham in January.
West Ham were linked with a move for Arter among a number of central midfielders including the likes of Leander Dendoncker, Tom Cairney and Morgan Schneiderlin. Another on their midfield shortlist was the Toon’s Jonjo Shelvey.
With England international Shelvey continuously proving to be a liability in the middle of the park – two red cards this season and almost needlessly giving a penalty away against Crystal Palace – Newcastle should sell him to West Ham.
That will see the Hammers cool their interest in Arter, as their central midfield problems would ease, leaving the path clear for a Newcastle approach to sign Bournemouth’s Arter.
A box-to-box midfielder, Arter’s determination and touch-tackling nature in the middle of the park would add tenacity to a beleaguered Newcastle side – but more maturity surrounds the midfielder, when compared to Shelvey.
An intricate array of passing is also boasted by the former Charlton and Carlisle ace, and that should convince Benitez to splash out the necessary funds to lure Arter to St. James’ Park.
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