Report: Newcastle have had Arsenal youngster Flaherty on trial

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Arsenal starlet Stan Flaherty has been having trials with Newcastle United this month.

As reported by The Chronicle, the 17-year-old – who was one of nine scholars on Arsenal’s retained list in the summer – had been struggling for game time with the Gunners.

The report says Newcastle are looking to increase their strength in depth and quality in the squad, and highly rated Flaherty has been given a chance to show what he can do.

The talented midfielder – who has also trialled with West Ham United and been on the books of Watford – didn’t feature at the weekend against the Hammers, but was spotted in action against Liverpool U18s recently.

Should Newcastle decide to sign Flaherty, he will follow in the footsteps of Stefan O’Connor, who signed from the Gunners in 2017.

TBR’s view – Flaherty Newcastle’s Foden?

The Chronicle report Flaherty has been quoted by Arsenal’s matchday programme as saying he likes to learn from young players, with Manchester City’s Phil Foden a particular inspiration.

Foden, billed as the future of City’s midfield, is a technically gifted player and perhaps Flaherty could one day become Newcastle’s equivalent if he ends up signing for the Magpies.

Newcastle fans are aware of their team’s current creativity issues, so perhaps Flaherty would be a good one for the future.