Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has regularly linked with a move to Arsenal.
Eddie Howe has expressed his frustration at seeing his Newcastle United players linked with clubs like Arsenal.
Newcastle are eyeing their fourth victory of the campaign against the Gunners when they visit the Emirates on Sunday after winning 1-0 at St James’ Park in the Premier League in November before winning both Carabao Cup semi-final legs 2-0.
A victory in North London for the Magpies would confirm Champions League qualification and see them move up to second in the Premier League table ahead of their final day clash against Everton.
Despite just two points currently separating the two clubs in the league table, several pundits continue to drum up the idea that the likes of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes would be taking a major step up by joining Mikel Arteta’s side.
Eddie Howe frustrated his NUFC stars keep getting linked with the likes of Arsenal
Responding to those links, Howe replied: "That's a good question... Yes, naturally, I'm not absorbed in the transfer rumours. I don't go on websites and flick through them and see what's happening this week. But obviously it gets back.
“And 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, yeah, it's a source of frustration, but I don't let it absorb me, really."
Eddie Howe quashes Newcastle narrative
On the subject of pundits, there is often a narrative that players don’t like living in Newcastle and would prefer to be based in the likes of London. But Howe has played down that being a problem when attracting players, insisting the financial part is the biggest hurdle.
“Yeah, I've not sensed that problem here,” Howe said. “I think the biggest issue with the players usually is a combination of factors.
“Of course, they want to be at a club that is ambitious and moving forward and has a chance to win trophies. And of course, wages are also, and financial terms is a big thing for players. I think under our PSR constraints, that's been an issue historically so that will be the thing that we have to satisfy our players.
“The market will sort of dictate what that looks like, so it's not like we don't have challenges but I don't see the area and location and living being one of those challenges. I think it's a beautiful place to live and I've never had any issue with any player in that respect.”
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