Oscar Mingueza is out of contract at the end of the month and expected to leave Celta Vigo on a free transfer. Arsenal and Newcastle are both leading the race, with AS describing Arsenal as the stronger interest and Mikel Arteta reportedly driving the move.
Why Arsenal may have the cleaner pitch
The sporting case is different for each club. Arsenal can point to Champions League football and a side cited as first in the Premier League standings, while Newcastle are listed as 12th in the same material. That does not finish the discussion, but it does shape it.
Mingueza is not being chased as a specialist luxury signing. He can play right-back, centre-back and left-back, and he is also comfortable at wing-back. That profile fits a club looking for cover across the back line, and it is part of why this has become a live battle.
Mingueza’s own record adds some weight to the interest. He made 66 competitive appearances for Barcelona's senior side before joining Celta in summer 2022, and he has now made 147 appearances for the club. His last five La Liga games brought a 6.96 average rating across 257 minutes, steady form rather than a spike.
Why Newcastle are still in it
Newcastle’s need is more obvious. They are down to Valentino Livramento as their only senior recognised right-back after Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth left when their contracts expired, and Livramento has also had a fresh minor calf injury that sent him back to Newcastle for treatment.
That is a real squad problem, and it is why Mingueza stays on their radar. Claudio Giraldez summed up the situation from Celta’s side: "I hope he can stay. But we know it will be difficult to keep him." He also called Mingueza "a fantastic player" with "a tremendous personality."
Giraldez's words sound like a coach preparing for the obvious. Mingueza is out of contract, available on a free, and both Premier League clubs are circling. Arsenal may have the stronger pitch, but Newcastle’s right-back shortage means this is still a move worth watching right to the deadline.
Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →