Shearer pleased with Arsenal interest

The 22-year-old has made 30 league appearances for the Magpies since arriving from Metz last summer, but is set to miss the club's do-or-die relegation decider at Aston Villa next weekend following his red card against Fulham on Saturday.

Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger is believed to be a keen admirer of the French U21 international, and is being tipped to add him to the armoury of talented youngsters plying their trade at the Emirates Stadium.

But Shearer insists he is determined to ensure Newcastle keep hold of his services ready for next season, regardless of what division the club are in, adding that Arsenal's interest in the stopper can only mean he is a valuable asset.

“We need to keep and get the best players here at Newcastle and he is, without doubt, one of them,” he said in the Sunday Sun.

“If what we want to happen, happens, by staying in the Premier League, my advice would be to get him on a long-term contract, without a doubt. He’s a big player.

“If he’s attracting Arsenal's attention, good.”

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