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Newcastle missing out on Florian Lejeune to Arsenal could hand Magpies boost in pursuit of another target

Lejeune (Reuters)
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Newcastle United have been heavily linked with a move for Florian Lejeune, but now seem to face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal.

LejeuneFlorian Lejeune

According to Marca, Newcastle are leading the race to sign Eibar defender Florian Lejeune, but they face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham and Arsenal.

Marca suggests that the Magpies are ready to trigger the centre-back’s release clause and offer him a four-year deal at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United manager Rafa BenitezNewcastle United manager Rafa Benitez

But with Arsenal and Spurs interested, Rafa Benitez must surely be prepared to potentially miss out on the 26-year-old. And although it may be a major blow if they did watch Lejeune move elsewhere, a move to Arsenal may actually hand the Magpies a boost in their pursuit of one of their other targets.

The Telegraph recently reported that Newcastle want Gunners defender Calum Chambers on loan, but had to wait for Arsene Wenger to decide whether he wanted to keep the former Southampton man following his impressive year on loan with Middlesbrough.

Arsenal's Calum Chambers celebrates scoring their third goalArsenal’s Calum Chambers is on Newcastle’s radar

If Arsenal do not strengthen their defensive options, it would hardly be a surprise if Chambers had a role to play at the Emirates next season.

However, if the Gunners beat Newcastle to Lejeune’s signature, they may beat the Magpies to one target, but it will perhaps help free up another of Benitez’s targets for a St James’ Park switch.

General view outside St James' Park