Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta faces a major setback in his pursuit of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, as Bayern Munich have entered the race with serious intent for the summer of 2026 transfer window.
The Gunners have been closely monitoring the 25-year-old former Everton star, conducting detailed scouting work and receiving positive signals from Gordon’s representatives about his willingness to join Mikel Arteta’s project. However, the Bavarian giants have now emerged as formidable competitors, potentially derailing Arsenal’s plans to raid St James’ Park.
According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich are “seriously considering” a move for Gordon, identifying the England international as their preferred candidate to provide backup and competition for Luis Díaz on the left wing. Plettenberg reported on X (formerly Twitter) at 5:02pm on April 13 that Gordon has already been informed of Bayern’s interest, with “concrete talks” taking place at the player’s level — although no discussions have yet been held with Newcastle United.
“FC Bayern are seriously considering a move for Anthony #Gordon,” Plettenberg wrote. “The 25 y/o is currently the preferred candidate for the left wing as a back-up and competitor for Luis Díaz. Gordon has been informed. Concrete talks have already taken place, though the clubs are not yet in contact. #NUFC want to keep him.”
This development comes just days after TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey revealed on April 10 that Arsenal are keen on signing Gordon in the summer of 2026. Sources indicate the north London club have done extensive due diligence on the winger and are well aware of his openness to working under Arteta.
Newcastle could be vulnerable to losing Gordon if they fail to secure Champions League qualification for next season, potentially forcing a sale to balance the books. Gordon’s representatives have already made Arsenal aware of his interest in a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Bayern’s Ambitious Left-Wing Plan
Bayern Munich, the reigning Bundesliga champions, view Gordon as an ideal option to challenge Luis Díaz, who has been in scintillating form this season. The Colombian international has scored 23 goals and provided 18 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions for Vincent Kompany’s side, firmly establishing himself as the first-choice left winger after his £65.5million move from Liverpool.
While Bayern’s interest in Gordon is understandable — adding depth and competition to a star-studded attack that already features Harry Kane — questions remain over whether the German club would be willing to meet Newcastle’s hefty valuation.
Reports from February indicated that the Magpies are demanding at least £95million (€109.1m, $127m) for their talismanic winger. Given that Bayern spent a similar sum on Díaz just last season and that Gordon would likely play a rotational role rather than starting every week, splashing out close to nine figures on a backup option may prove difficult to justify, even for a club of Bayern’s financial power.
Arsenal’s Disappointment and the Road Ahead
For Andrea Berta and Arsenal, the news from Munich represents a significant blow. The Gunners have been positioning themselves as strong contenders for Gordon, who has impressed with his pace, directness, and work rate since leaving Everton. His representatives’ confirmation that he would welcome a move to work with Arteta had raised hopes of a potential deal.
However, with Bayern now holding direct talks with the player and positioning him as their top target for the left flank, Arsenal must act decisively if they wish to fend off the competition. The situation remains fluid, particularly as Newcastle are determined to keep Gordon unless Champions League football slips away.
Gordon, 25, has developed into one of the Premier League’s most exciting wingers, and a bidding war between two of Europe’s elite clubs could drive his price even higher. Whether Bayern are prepared to stretch their budget for a player who may not be a guaranteed starter, or if Arsenal can capitalise on Gordon’s reported preference for the Premier League, will be key storylines in the coming months.
One thing is certain: the transfer saga surrounding Anthony Gordon is heating up rapidly, and Arsenal’s sporting director will be watching developments in Munich very closely indeed.