‘Gunners did not tempt me’

EDDIE HOWE has insisted he never considered taking the Arsenal job.

The Newcastle chief (above) was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates – to succeed Arsene Wenger or Unai Emery – when he was building Bournemouth.

But Howe has revealed the truth behind the Arsenal rumours and said: “No, at the time I didn’t crave going to a top club. I loved being Bournemouth manager.

“I turned down numerous offers because I was happy on and off the pitch. I was at a club that was very, very special to me with my history, so I loved everything about being Bournemouth manager and I wasn’t looking to move.”

Howe now believes he is in charge of a club with “huge potential”.

After securing Premier League status, Howe believes Newcastle can progress up the league.

He said: “The appetite is whetted by what we could be in the future. It will be amazing to see the club in a few years time because the potential is enormous.”