Newcastle United first January transfer ‘imminent’ as fresh Arsenal claim made

Martin Dubravka is reportedly set to play his final game for Newcastle United against Arsenal following an approved January transfer.

According to fresh transfer claims from Saudi Arabian sources, Dubravka’s move to Al-Shabab has been approved by the Saudi Pro League’s Financial Sustainability Committee. Newcastle have won six out of six matches since Dubravka came into the side in place of the injured Nick Pope.

The Slovakian has kept four clean sheets in six matches, conceding just two goals. London-based Arabic outlet Asharq Al-Awsat has claimed that Dubravka’s move to Al-Shabab will go through following Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal on Tuesday night.

The report claimed: “The new goalkeeper was supposed to participate in the Al-Shabab club jersey against Al-Fayhaa in the quarter-finals of the King’s Cup, but the Newcastle club management strongly rejected this and insisted on continuing the goalkeeper until Newcastle faces Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Tuesday.”

Dubravka is set to start the match for The Magpies at the Emirates Stadium in what could be his 170th and final match for the club. After that, Newcastle host Bromley in the FA Cup third round before returning to Premier League action against Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 15.