Said Benrahma refuses to rule out Newcastle United 'interest' as Magpies favourite reveals Arsenal snub

Reported Newcastle United target Said Benrahma has responded to speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League this summer.
Said Benrahma of Brentford celebrates victory during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Cardiff City at Griffin Park.Said Benrahma of Brentford celebrates victory during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Cardiff City at Griffin Park.
Said Benrahma of Brentford celebrates victory during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Cardiff City at Griffin Park.

It was claimed by The Sun last week that the Magpies were ready to rival Leicester City for the Algerian in a rumoured £15million deal.

In an additional report, Arsenal were also credited with interest while Aston Villa have been known admirers of the 24-year-old over the previous two transfer windows.

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And Benrahma, who is leading Brentford’s charge to the top-flight this season, refused to rule out a potential Griffin Park exit when quizzed by BBC Sport.

He said: "For the moment I am focused on Brentford. This summer I will see but for the moment I am so focused here.

"I am happy, I play, I score, I win, it's a good position so I am happy. For the moment I am here.

"My ambition is to play in the Premier League. That's my first ambition. It's the first step and then continue to progress.

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"If I go into the Premier League, God willing with Brentford or…. I don't know but my ambition is the Premier League."

Meanwhile, Toon favourite David Ginola has revealed he snubbed a move to Arsenal in favour of moving to St James’s Park in 1995.

The Frenchman, now 53, admitted Barcelona were keen on signing him but a call from the La Liga giants never arrived.

A call, however, did arrive from the Gunners but Ginola ignored the approach after previously holding talks with then-Magpies assistant Terry McDermott.

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Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ginola said: “I waited and waited until mid-July (from Barcelona), when I received a call saying he (Johan Cruyff) couldn't get rid of the other players and so he couldn't sign me. It was a really big disappointment.

“That was when I was contacted by Terry McDermott, (Kevin) Keegan's assistant at Newcastle, saying they wanted me. I didn't know anything about the club, but I said: ‘OK, I'll come’.

“That same night, David Dein rang me to try to sign me for Arsenal, but it was too late, I'd given my word.”