ARSENAL REGRET INCOMING?! Newcastle Make SECRET Move to Snag £17M Ex-Gunner Defender – Fans Are LOSING IT Right Now!

Newcastle United are understood to be one of several Premier League sides who have registered an interest in Genoa right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy as they assess options in the January transfer market.

The Magpies are actively monitoring defensive reinforcements after an ongoing injury crisis has severely stretched Eddie Howe’s squad, leaving him with only four fit senior defenders available at present.

With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, Newcastle’s recruitment team are carefully weighing up whether a move is required before the window closes.

Fabian Schar is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing ankle surgery last Thursday, with the Swiss defender not expected to return until April at the earliest.

Tino Livramento is also unavailable and could remain out until March after suffering a hamstring injury.

Elsewhere, there is still no clear timeline for the return of Emil Krafth or club captain Jamaal Lascelles.

Both players have been absent from matchday squads since November, with Krafth recovering from a knee problem and Lascelles continuing his rehabilitation amid uncertainty over his long-term future at St James’ Park.

Dan Burn is edging closer to a comeback but is believed to be around a week away from full fitness.

As things stand, Howe is limited to Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall as his only senior defensive options for upcoming fixtures against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League and Aston Villa in the Premier League.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Newcastle have made enquiries about Norton-Cuffy alongside Everton and West Ham United, with Genoa willing to consider a sale for a fee in the region of €20 million (£17.4m).

The 22-year-old is highly rated in Italy and has attracted growing attention due to his consistent performances this season.

Norton-Cuffy progressed through Arsenal’s academy before gaining valuable senior experience during loan spells with Lincoln City, Rotherham United, Coventry City and Millwall.

He completed a permanent move to Genoa in the summer of 2024 and has since established himself as a key figure in their side, starting 19 of the club’s 21 Serie A matches so far this campaign.

He was absent for their most recent fixture against Parma due to a minor muscle issue, but the problem is not believed to be serious.

Addressing Newcastle’s transfer stance, Howe recently admitted the situation remains open.

He stressed that the club are in a watching brief, considering factors such as value for money, squad balance and the risk of further injuries, while remaining ready to act if the right opportunity arises.