Bruce linked with bringing Arsenal star to Newcastle in 2019, now he’d get his man – TBR View

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Newcastle United are lacking in central midfield and it is probably fair to say that Steve Bruce, since becoming Toon manager, has never found the perfect combination in the middle of the park – but now, an Arsenal player could be the ideal solution.

With the Toon lacking in options at centre-back due to recent injuries suffered by Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Fede Fernandez – Bruce has combined Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in central midfield.

Longstaff has been in and out of the side and his future remains in doubt after changing agents, while Shelvey – though one of the first names on the team sheet – can be inconsistent. Hayden is being used elsewhere, and is impressing.

It might see the ex-Arsenal ace stay in defence permanently, while Matty Longstaff is not yet ready and Jeff Hendrick is more attacking. The Toon need another body in holding midfield, and a reported target from 2019 might have just come available.

The Times reported that Bruce wanted to raid Arsenal in January and sign £30million (Sun) signing Xhaka – after his incident against Crystal Palace. Now, Newcastle may have another chance to get the Switzerland international.

His red card against Burnley has seen The Mail claim that Arsenal are willing to ‘listen to offers’ for Xhaka, who has been in and out of the Arsenal side this season. Certainly, he is under-fire from supporters and has spoken out about the criticism he gets.

Perhaps a move to Newcastle, where he would surely be a guaranteed starter would give him the confidence he requires to get back to his best. Certainly, Bruce is an admirer and he would fit nicely alongside Shelvey.

Next month, then, Newcastle should consider reigniting previous interest in Xhaka in a bid to take him off of Arsenal’s hands and lure him to Tyneside. The Gunners may even initially accept a loan offer, if a permanent deal is included.