Newcastle United would be a 'welcome solution' for former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka if he decides to leave the Gunners.
That's the view of Swiss journalist Marcello Pelizzari who believes AC Milan remain in the driving seat to land the midfielder.
The Swiss international has been linked with moves away from north London following an angry confrontation with Arsenal supporters at the Emirates last month.
Xhaka has not appeared for the Gunners since and has been stripped of the captaincy by boss Unai Emery, who has admitted he does not know whether the 27-year-old will play for the club again.
Discussions are under way among Arsenal chiefs as to whether the Swiss international should be sold in January, and the Times credited United with an interest in the midfielder.
Pelizzarri - who writes for Swiss title Il Corriere del Ticino - was interviewed by website Il Milanista about Xhaka's future.
The journalist believes while United represent a logical choice for the 27-year-old to remain in the Premier League, AC Milan remain "ahead" in negotiations to lure the player away from the Emirates.
Pelizzari said: "Right now Xhaka on the table has various options. There has been talk of Newcastle, which would be a welcome solution, because he can remain in the Premier League.
"Rumour has it that Borussia Dortmund is on the table, where he would find Favre, who launched him at the time of Borussia Monchengladbach.
"By attending the national meetings, however, we know that he loves Italy and Milan in particular.
"From what we have come to know, even from sources close to his entourage, Milan would be the company that is ahead in negotiations to take him away from London in January - also because Gazidis has known him since the Arsenal days.
"At the moment the Nerazzurri (Inter) are colder than Milan on the player."
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