Newcastle enter the race to sign William Saliba from Arsenal and have one big advantage over their rivals

Newcastle could launch a big-money move to try and convince Arsenal to sell defender William Saliba during the summer transfer window, reports have claimed.

Sailba has just finished an impressive season while on loan with Marseille. He is due to return to the Gunners but there is already talk of him being lured away again. This despite the fact Arsenal are keen to keep hold.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has justified the decision to loan Saliba out last season. He believes the regular first-team football will have done the central defender the world of good. The Spaniard is now keen for the Gunners to see the benefit.

There should be more first-team opportunities for Saliba at the Emirates Stadium next season. However that will not stop the interest from rival clubs.

Marseille have made it very clear they want to take Saliba back on a permanent basis. Indeed their president Pablo Longoria says both Marseille and Arsenal need to hold talks over a deal.

But now Newcastle have emerged as potential bidders. It is well known that Magpies boss Eddie Howe has a new central defender high on his wanted list. A host of names including the likes of Sven Botman continue to be linked.

Now Saliba has emerged as a target. That is according to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins. He has taken to twitter to claim that Newcastle are in the hunt. Hawkins also suggests that Napoli and Atletico Madrid are interested.

All interested clubs could be facing a losing battle if Arteta insists he is not for sale. However the report claims that Newcastle do have one advantage, hard cash. They could make the Gunners an offer they cannot refuse.

Newcastle are expected to be cautious with their riches this summer. However they could still make a big enough