Arsenal have dramatically overtaken Liverpool in the increasingly fierce race to sign Newcastle United’s star left-back Lewis Hall, with fresh reports confirming that the Gunners and Chelsea have now emerged as the clear frontrunners for the highly-rated 21-year-old Englishman.
Hall, who rose through the ranks at Chelsea’s famed academy and made 12 first-team appearances for the Blues, departed Stamford Bridge in August 2023 for a season-long loan at Newcastle. The move was made permanent the following summer for an initial £28 million plus up to £7 million in add-ons — a homecoming of sorts for the lifelong Magpies supporter, whose father and uncle are also devoted fans of the club.
Since arriving on Tyneside, Hall has blossomed into a key player for Eddie Howe’s side. Versatile enough to operate at left-back or in central midfield, the 21-year-old has racked up 41 appearances across all competitions this season. His standout moment came in Newcastle’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Barcelona on March 10, where he produced an outstanding display to largely nullify the threat of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
According to sources cited by CaughtOffside, Arsenal and Chelsea now hold “serious interest” in Hall and lead the pursuit ahead of Liverpool. Arsenal have been particularly impressed by his rapid improvement and exceptional technical ability, while Chelsea are reportedly harbouring regrets over allowing the academy graduate to leave and are actively exploring a potential reunion.
Liverpool and Manchester United remain in the picture, with scouts tracking the defender, but their interest is understood to be less advanced than that of their London rivals. Real Madrid have also been linked with Hall in recent Spanish reports, underlining the breadth of his growing reputation.
Negotiations, should they materialise, are expected to open in the region of £50-55 million. However, Newcastle are in an extremely strong bargaining position. Hall’s contract at St James’ Park still has three years remaining (until June 2029), and the club have made it clear they will only entertain an exit if an “extraordinary offer” arrives.
Despite his deep affection for Newcastle — a club where he has truly found his home — the Magpies’ impending absence from the Champions League next season has inevitably triggered speculation about his future. Similar rumours surround other key performers such as Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon.
It is little surprise that Hall is attracting such covetous attention. His sensational form this campaign has drawn widespread praise, with Transfer News Live among those highlighting his impressive consistency and quality.
Earlier whispers in March suggested Arsenal and Liverpool were preparing for a potential £70 million showdown, while Arsenal were also said to be monitoring Hall alongside several other Newcastle talents. Yet the latest intelligence points firmly towards the Gunners and Chelsea pulling clear of the pack.
Newcastle, for their part, remain relaxed. Hall and his representatives are not pushing for a move, and the club view the versatile defender as central to their long-term plans.
Whether Arsenal can turn their admiration into a concrete deal remains to be seen. What is certain is that any attempt to prise Hall away from St James’ Park will require a significant financial outlay and could send shockwaves through the Premier League transfer market this summer.
One thing is clear: the race for Lewis Hall has just intensified — and Liverpool have been sensationally sidelined in the process.