Alfie Matthews scored for the Arsenal u18s on Saturday, after media links with a January move to Newcastle United this week.

Earlier in the week, reports from Football Insider suggested Newcastle United are pushing for a January move for Arsenal’s Alfie Matthews. They’re holding discussions with Arsenal and planning a bid soon. FI claim the 18-year-old’s contract expires this summer.

In our article on the rumours, we pointed out that Matthews looks a talented forward, but he needs to get involved in the goals and assists a bit more. Often playing as a centre-forward this season, he only had a couple of goals in 11 appearances.

In typical fashion, the exit-linked player went on to score days later. Arsenal faced Southampton in the u18 Premier League on Saturday, and Matthews scored the opening goal of the match in the 26th minute. The match finished 2-0 to Arsenal after Luke Plange doubled the lead.

Whether Matthews is on the way out or not, it’s great to see him scoring again. The team really need the goals this season, and it will help potential negotiations with Newcastle. That’s the u18s’ final game of the month, so if he does leave, it’s good to sign off with a goal.

Matthews made the bench for the u23s in August. He also made a debut for the side in the pre-season friendly against Boreham Wood. As well as centre-forward, he can also play as an attacking midfielder, starting in the position multiple times this season.