Eddie Howe plots Arsenal transfer swoop after hearing Saudi "vision"

Eddie Howe has insisted Newcastle United's £77m-plus spending spree will save the club from relegation - and help the Saudi owners fulfil their long term dreams.

With Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes set to join for €40m this weekend, Newcastle could end up the biggest spenders in Europe this month.

The addition of the Brazil midfielder has left Howe "really positive" that the Geordies can climb out of the bottom three - after an "inspirational" pep-talk from his mega-rich bosses on a training camp to Jeddah.

More new players could follow, with Arsenal being pushed about a deal for Eddie Nketiah.

Brighton defender Dan Burn is the subject of an £8m bid, and Jesse Lingard's loan deal from Manchester United still in discussion but a huge loan fee is being demanded.

If Newcastle survive in the Premier League, even more will be spent on new players in the summer to establish in the top ten next season, on a journey to challenging for the title within ten years.

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Leading business chiefs from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia met Howe, his staff and players in Jeddah this week, and outlined an ambitious "vision."

While Howe is focused on the short term rescue job, he admitted: "There are huge ambitions for this club and through time those will be reality, I am sure.

"We met with the chairman (Yasir Al-Rumayyan) and it was a great experience to hear his vision for the future and the club. Everything that is in the eyes and minds of the people that are running the club will come to reality.

"My reality is to get the best out of my team.

"It was a motivational and inspirational talk - the team spirit and the collective aims we have, until the end of the season. We were impressed by what and how it was said. The players left enthused and ready to work.

"There was a nice feeling, a nice moment, rather than big promises. We get to know each other better."

Toon stars have taken camel rides, danced with locals, and been Go-karting as Howe bonds his team after almost two years of COVID restrictions.

New players will have to fit in quickly, and Howe admits the club have had to battle against a "Newcastle tax" when trying to buy players like Sven Botman and Diego Carlos.

He said: "It has been a difficult situation for us. We have navigated it as best we can. Who knows what the last few days will bring. The players I now have are in a good place and new additions can fit in quickly and take us forward.

"Is there a Newcastle tax? There possibly is, in all honesty. I don't think it will be evident further down the line of our journey."

The squad has enjoyed the Saudi warmth and Howe added: "It has been really good. We have enjoyed ourselves and the sun has shone and the weather has been good. The players were lifted by that sunshine. We have done some activities as well trying to unite the club."