Report: Arsenal could now swoop for ‘sensational’ midfielder tipped to join Newcastle in January

Arsenal could now make a move in January for Saudi-based player Newcastle United have been strongly tipped to sign.

So strong are the links around Newcastle looking to loan Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves, that the other Premier League owners are set to cut their noses off to spite their face by voting through a temporary ban on clubs with associated ownership loaning players.

The rule, which is being voted on next week, would see Newcastle unable to loan players from any of the four PIF-backed Saudi Pro League teams which now have an unbelievable wealth of talent to draw from.

It's all to stop Newcastle from progressing

While there are other club owners in the Premier League who hold interests in other clubs, the timing of this attempt to change the rules absolutely stinks, and although there are those who will deny it, it's so blatantly aimed at stopping Newcastle from picking from that Saudi talent pool in January.

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Newcastle are looking for a temporary solution to fill the gap left by Sandro Tonali following his 10-month ban. Buying a player to replace one who will return next season simply doesn't make sense, so a loan would be the perfect solution. Newcastle have identified Ruben Neves as that ideal player.

If the vote goes the way of the petty Premier League owners, Newcastle will be unable to loan 'sensational' Ruben Neves in January, and now, TalkSPORT are claiming that Arsenal will move for Neves while Newcastle are handcuffed.

Mikel Arteta will be loving the idea of getting one over on Newcastle

Like Newcastle, Arsenal have a long-term absentee in the midfield that they need cover for, albeit one that's set to return in the new year - Thomas Partey.

No doubt Mikel Arteta is laughing his back off at the idea that he could get one over on us after last week's game. We wouldn't be surprised if it is his sole motivation - but we doubt it actually is.

Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe have both been relatively calm about the rule change when questioned about it, but we bet they are seething behind the scenes. Ashworth said in a press conference recently that Newcastle are expecting to do business in January but only if the deal is right. This rule change could massively reduce our options.