Newcastle United enter the race to sign Arsenal midfield target

Newcastle United could reportedly direct competition to Arsenal in the race to sign midfielder Franck Kessie from AC Milan this summer.

The Magpies are currently on the verge of a £300m takeover from PCP Capital Partners, who are backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

As a result, they have been fancied to pursue high-profile players in the next transfer window and MilanLive claims that Kessie is one of the targets for the Tynesiders.

The Gunners have already expressed an interest in signing the Ivorian midfielder but they are said to be reluctant to meet the £25m asking price in a single instalment.

This could hand the advantage to the Magpies but it remains to be seen whether the midfielder would prefer a move to St James' Park ahead of next season.

Elsewhere, reports have claimed that Mikel Arteta's side could beat the Magpies to Kessie's signature, should Lucas Torreira be permitted to head in the opposite direction in a straight-cash deal.