Eddie Howe has spoken of his frustration at the constant speculation suggesting his key players are in the crosshairs of other clubs like Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window. Howe's team are currently competing for a prestigious second-placed finish in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
As the two teams brace for a crucial encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with Newcastle just two points behind the Gunners, victory would catapult the Magpies ahead, giving them an edge for the coveted runners-up position. Newcastle have already beaten Arteta's team three times this season, including twice in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
With champions Liverpool already crowned, the Magpies have been irked by talk that stars like Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Bruno Guimaraes could 'level up' by moving to the north London outfit. Isak, in particular, is said to be firmly in Arsenal's sights, as they seek to bolster their attacking options.
Howe remarked: "It is a frustration because I don't see why our players are getting linked here, there and everywhere with other clubs. I'd like to think the players are happy here. I'd like to think again that they're seeing us grow and develop into a team that hopefully can compete at the top end of the division.
"We have no divine right to do that, but I think we're going in the right direction, so yes, it's a source of frustration. But I don't let it absorb me, really."
Newcastle, once seen as a selling club under Mike Ashley, have transformed under the new ownership's financial muscle, ending their 70-year domestic trophy drought and vying for Champions League spots thanks to shrewd off-pitch investments.
Despite spending curbs stalling their progress and no major signings in the last three transfer windows, this summer is poised for change.
Howe remarked: "Regular success, consistent success, all these things help you in the journey that you're on to show to everybody that that's where the club's ambition is. There's no doubt that's what the club's ambition is.
"As we've said many times, the ability financially to compete the last few years has been hampered by PSR. But those issues aren't there for the coming window, so I don't see any reason why we can't strengthen, not weaken ourselves."
While wages could pose a challenge, Howe, who hasn't found it difficult to lure players to the north-east over London, suggests that the notion of a rigid wage ceiling isn't set in stone.
He explained: "It depends on the individual and if the individual is worth doing that with, then I think you need to consider it and maybe implement it.
"But you have to be aware that every decision you make has a consequence, so obviously you have to think that through carefully."