TIME TO CASH IN

Howe tips Gunners for title push - while Norgaard wants to see chances turned to goals

- BY LEE RYDER

NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe has tipped Mikel Arteta to take Arsenal "close" to the Premier League title this year - but won't judge him on money.

The Gunners finished second last season and have spent more than £lbillion under Arteta, but Howe insists that the Spaniard has done a good job despite the lack of silverware at The Emirates.

Signings such as Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres have Arsenal on Liverpool's coattails again this season.

But speaking about Arsenal's spending, Howe (far right) - who went one better than Arsenal by winning the Carabao Cup last season - said: "Seems crazy, doesn't it?

"The transfer fees keep going up and up.

"Mikel's done a great job when you look at the journey that they've been on.

"They've improved every season in my opinion.

"So I wouldn't look at the money spent. That's irrelevant really. It's about the strength of the squad and how they work and how they play together.

"They'll be very close again this year."

Clashes at St James' Park for Arteta (below) have been intense affairs in recent seasons with the Spaniard slamming officials after Anthony Gordon's goal in 2023 when Joe Willock was adjudged to have kept the ball in fractionally to set up the winger.