Closed: the summer 2026 window ended without this move.
Believe Munongo to Newcastle United
Last update: 100 days ago
Status and verdict
Did not happen
Closed rumours are no longer scored: the status is final.
Arsenal and Newcastle United are both targeting Believe Munongo, a central midfielder at FC Metz, per SportsBoom (9 Jul), which says both clubs have submitted official enquiries and that Newcastle urgently needs midfield reinforcements after losing Tonali and expects Guimarães to depart. His contract runs to June 2029.
First reported by SportsBoom
5 articles · 1 independent source
What we know
Arsenal and Newcastle United are both targeting Believe Munongo, a central midfielder at FC Metz, per SportsBoom (9 Jul), which says both clubs have submitted official enquiries and that Newcastle urgently needs midfield reinforcements after losing Tonali and expects Guimarães to depart. His contract runs to June 2029.
SportsBoom originated the report, detailing dual enquiries; it was repeated on 10 Jul by LA Premier League and EPL Index (the latter citing SportsBoom), then by Football FanCast on 11 Jul (also attributing to SportsBoom). Hyperfast News on 26 Jul frames it as competition between the two clubs for the Metz midfielder.
Key findings
- First report: 9 Jul 2026, SportsBoom.
- 1 independent source behind it (SportsBoom); 4 other outlets only repeat earlier reporting.
- Deal stage reached by a counted source: contact.
- No second independent source corroborates it.
- Latest evidence: 100 days ago.
Who reported it
| Outlet | Tier | What they said | Track record | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SportsBoom 09/07/2026 | Tier 3 · Secondary | Arsenal and Newcastle have submitted official enquiries for Believe Munongo, with Newcastle urgently needing midfield reinforcements after losing Tonali and expecting Guimarães to depart. Stage: contact | No history yet | Original source |
| EPL Index 10/07/2026 | Tier 3 · Secondary | Newcastle, in particular, are in urgent need of midfield reinforcements after losing Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Stage: interest | No history yet | Cites SportsBoom |
| Hyperfast News 26/07/2026 | Tier 4 · Speculative | Arsenal and Newcastle United compete for Metz midfielder Believe Munongo Stage: interest | No history yet | Follows SportsBoom (09 Jul) Tier 4 · Speculative report, later than a better-rated outlet saying the same: counted as a repeat, not a new source. |
| Football FanCast 11/07/2026 | Tier 4 · Speculative | both having submitted official enquiries Stage: interest | No history yet | Cites SportsBoom |
| LA Premier League 10/07/2026 | Tier 4 · Speculative | Newcastle United also registering their interest in the highly-rated 17-year-old Stage: interest | No history yet | Follows SportsBoom (09 Jul) Tier 4 · Speculative report, later than a better-rated outlet saying the same: counted as a repeat, not a new source. |
Timeline
- 26 Jul 2026 · Hyperfast NewsArsenal and Newcastle United compete for Metz midfielder Believe Munongo
Came after SportsBoom (Tier 3, 09 Jul) reported the same; counted as a repeat, not a new source. Stage: interest
- 11 Jul 2026 · Football FanCastboth having submitted official enquiries
Repeats reporting attributed to SportsBoom. Stage: interest
- 10 Jul 2026 · EPL IndexNewcastle, in particular, are in urgent need of midfield reinforcements after losing Sandro Tonali to Tottenham
Repeats reporting attributed to SportsBoom. Stage: interest
- 10 Jul 2026 · LA Premier LeagueNewcastle United also registering their interest in the highly-rated 17-year-old
Came after SportsBoom (Tier 3, 09 Jul) reported the same; counted as a repeat, not a new source. Stage: interest
- 09 Jul 2026 · SportsBoomArsenal and Newcastle have submitted official enquiries for Believe Munongo, with Newcastle urgently needing midfield reinforcements after losing Tonali and expecting Guimarães to depart.
First-hand report. Stage: contact
Does Newcastle United need him?
Central Midfield: the central midfielders Newcastle United already have, from their squad list, and who they brought in there over the last two seasons. Facts only: we do not judge the need.
Current central midfielders (7, 1 with a year or less left)
| Player | Position | Age | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nico González | Defensive Midfield | 24 | 30 Jun 2031 |
| Jacob Ramsey | Central Midfield | 25 | 30 Jun 2030 |
| Lewis Miley | Central Midfield | 20 | 30 Jun 2032 |
| Aladji Bamba | Defensive Midfield | 20 | 30 Jun 2031 |
| Sean Steur | Central Midfield | 18 | 30 Jun 2031 |
| Joelinton | Central Midfield | 30 | 30 Jun 2028 |
| Joe Willock | Central Midfield | 27 | 30 Jun 2027 |
Recent signings in this position
- Nico González (Defensive Midfield)2026/27 · from Manchester City · €56.00m
- Aladji Bamba (Defensive Midfield)2026/27 · from AS Monaco · €35.50m
- Sean Steur (Central Midfield)2026/27 · from Ajax Amsterdam · €23.50m
- Jacob Ramsey (Central Midfield)2025/26 · from Aston Villa · €45.15m
- Isaac Hayden (Defensive Midfield)· no longer in the squad2025/26 · back from loan at Portsmouth FC
Is it still alive?
- First report
- 09 Jul 2026
- Latest report
- 26 Jul 2026 (99 days ago)
Contract and fee
- Contract until
- June 2029
- Reported fee
- —
No outlet has quoted a figure for this move yet. We never estimate one.
Also linked with
Player profile
- Full name
- Believe Munongo
- Age
- 16