Arsenal news: Rafa Benitez would reject Gunners and take Newcastle above them - Quinn
RAFA BENITEZ would reject any approach from Arsenal if he is backed in the transfer market at Newcastle.
That is according to former Newcastle striker turned pundit Micky Quinn.
Rafa Benitez has led the Magpies to safety in the Premier League and is eyeing a top-half finish in their first campaign back after promotion.
However, the Spaniard has not been satisfied with the transfer funds at his disposal, with owner Mike Ashley looking to sell the club.
Since beating Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday, Benitez has been discussed in the media as a potential replacement for Arsene Wenger at the Emirates.
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He wants to see this job through and take Newcastle to that next level, above Arsenal maybe next year
But Quinn says his heart remains at Newcastle and the former Liverpool boss harbours ambitions of getting into Europe next season and even leapfrogging Arsenal in the table.
Talking to former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke and talkSPORT host Alan Brazil, Quinn said this morning: “I’ll put it to bed straight away because Newcastle fans will be laughing at you two muppets now.
“He wants to stay at Newcastle.
"But, and there is a but, he’s got a year left, and he’s had other offers, I know he’s had other offers, if he gets the backing, he will stay at Newcastle United.
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“He loves the club, he loves the fans, and also I’m very close to him, I’m speaking to him Friday actually, and he wants to see this job through and take Newcastle to that next level, above Arsenal maybe next year and get them in the top six.
“I’m telling you that’s the ambition, that’s the ambition that Rafael Benitez has for Newcastle United, but it’s whether they can match his ambition.
“And that’s the breakdown, whether there’s a takeover, or whether Ashley puts his hand in his pocket and backs him financially.”