It's becoming more and more obvious every summer that Eddie Howe is more of an autumn man. Quite frankly, he's likely just about fed up with the sunshine and the big-money offers that come with it for his star players.

Last season, it was Liverpool after Alexander Isak. Newcastle United tried everything to hold on, even as the Swede went on strike. Eventually, a Premier League record offer did the trick.

This summer, it was Barcelona who came knocking. This time, however, the Magpies didn't bolt the door shut and turn every light off.

Instead, they ended the saga before it even started - wishing Anthony Gordon well for £69m and turning their focus straight towards potential additions of their own.

Newcastle in pole position to sign Premier League star

Ross Wilson has a hefty task on his hands this summer and he's now got the money to complete that job thanks to Gordon. The first task on his to-do list will be to improve Newcastle's frontline.

Howe's side went from Champions League qualification and Carabao Cup success to a mid-table side desperately waiting for the campaign to end. And a lot of that was down to a misfiring, new-look attack.

Now that Barcelona have swooped in, the situation is more urgent than ever. Those in Tyneside simply have to welcome a new talisman in the coming months and could do so by signing an exciting Premier League talent.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are now leading the race to sign Ethan Nwaneri on loan from Arsenal this summer. The winger spent the second-half of the last campaign on loan at Marseille, but struggled when Robert De Zerbi departed.

Now, a Premier League switch could be on the cards, with the Magpies emerging as the early favourites to secure his signature on a temporary basis.

Speaking to the publication, former Keith Wyness CEO said: "My sources and I have made a few calls, and Nwaneri to Newcastle seems to be the favourite position right now, that’s where the talk is. Of course, these things can change pretty quickly, but I’m told that’s where the biggest, firmest discussions are right now."

Why Nwaneri would be a major upgrade on Murphy

It wasn't so long ago that a new wide man was arriving to act as an instant upgrade on Jacob Murphy.

That, of course, didn't work out and Anthony Elanga is in danger of becoming a serious transfer flop. Nwaneri is no Elanga, however. The 19-year-old is an excellent talent and is ready to take the Premier League by storm once again.

Dubbed one of the "most exciting footballers in England" by former Chelsea man Joe Cole, Nwaneri would finally have the chance to get back on track at St James' Park, rediscovering the form that saw him stun Manchester City in the 2024/25 campaign.

Last season, as just a teenager, he scored nine times during a breakthrough campaign. While Murphy has never been prolific, it says a lot that he has never better that tally in his entire career. He is now 21.

In terms of profile, the teenager would offer something far more effective than Murphy in this Newcastle side. Whilst Murphy is more of a natural winger, and that worked perfectly to combine with Isak, that role has not worked without an out-and-out talisman. The same can be said for Elanga after such a tough debut season in Tyneside.

What Newcastle need right now is a winger who's capable of sitting narrow and cutting inside with serious goalscoring threat. Just ask Liverpool how effective inside forwards can be. In the absence of a clear No.9, they can act as an undeniable talisman from wide.

Nwaneri's goal against Man City last season was like a preview of his specialty, cutting inside and unleashing a devastating finish. And if Arsenal don't have the room to showcase that specialty, then Newcastle should go all out to secure the 19-year-old's arrival, even if it is just on loan this summer.