Eddie howe's newcastle transfer feelings clear after seeing £144m arsenal flex

NEWCASTLE UNITED ARE LACKING DEPTH ACCORDING TO EDDIE HOWE 16:00, 20 May 2025 Newcastle United are soldiering on bravely with the finish line in sight - but the reality of the Magpies'

current situation is there for all to see. Eddie Howe is working with a threadbare squad - one that has not been strengthened in close to two years - and the fact a second place finish was

on the cards with two games remaining is somewhat of a miracle. Alexander Isak, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton and Lewis Hall were missing from Sunday's 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium,

while Sven Botman and Joe Willock's match fitness is lacking. As such, Howe has limited options at his disposal. "I think it’s difficult because as soon as we get one or two

injuries, we’re stretched,” Howe said on Sunday. “I think we’ve said that ever since I’ve been here, really. I think everyone is well aware that we are light." As such, Howe rolled the

dice in north London and brought on Lewis Miley, William Osula and Emil Krafth. One solid and sturdy defensive option and two young, developing talents who have not been exposed to too much

top flight football in recent months. Arsenal, meanwhile, were able to call upon Kai Havertz [£65m], Riccardo Calafiori [£42m], Jorginho [£12m] and Kieran Tierney [£25m] - a combined £144m

worth of talent - from the sidelines as the Gunners looked to shore up their lead in the second-half. Howe hits the nail on the head when discussing the aforementioned Newcastle arrivals off

the bench, highlighting their talent - but also pointing out their inexperience. It is a reminder that Newcastle must use this summer, with their strengthened financial position, to boost

their depth, while improving their starting XI. "The players who came on for us (at Arsenal) are good players, but at least a couple of them are still developing and forging their

careers in the Premier League," he told reporters. "I think they will be good players, and I thought they did well when they came on, so it’s no slight on them. But we have lost a

bit of firepower.” Thankfully, a summer of promise awaits with positive signals coming out of St James' Park with regards to spending. Howe is expected to be backed with a fair amount

of funds at his disposal, while Paul Mitchell seeks to finally showcase his recruitment talent after a quiet start to his reign on Tyneside. Article continues below After pushing Arsenal so

close this term, there can only be optimism that a summer of backing will help close that gap entirely as Newcastle look to kick on after their previous PSR problems.