Boss OFFICIALLY reveals if £40M Frenchman is joining Arsenal on deadline day

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has also ruled out selling Arsenal target Allan Saint-Maximin during the remaining days of the January transfer window.

Saint-Maximin is one of the most skillful winger sin the Premier League and a player that the Gunners have long admired – but have never made an actual move.

However – there has been some speculation in the media over the past few days that Arsenal may decide to make a late move for the Frenchman on transfer deadline day – believing that the Toon may be open to doing a deal

It has been claimed the 25-year-old Frenchman could be allowed to leave amid the club’s pursuit of Everton forward Anthony Gordon. but Howe has now come out and addresses those transfer rumours – he said: “Absolutely not. He’s here to stay. He’s an integral part of my team.”

He also confirmed that midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is in talks with Nottingham Forest over a permanent switch.

He said: “Jonjo, I believe, is talking to Nottingham Forest. I don’t know what stage that is at currently.

“Jonjo has been a huge player for this football club over the last seven years. He’s been a very important part of my squad since I’ve been here. Unfortunately he’s had injuries this season.

“Certainly I would not want to lose him, but I have to understand again, similar to the Chris Wood situation really, the player’s wishes with his contract coming to an end this summer.”