Newcastle United star strikes 'agreement' to leave club less than 24 hours after Arsenal heroics

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is set to quit the Tyneside club this month with an agreement struck with a Saudi Arabian side less than 24 hours after his heroics against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

The 35-year-old saw the Gunners take 23 shots at his goal on Tuesday night but only three of those were on target as the hosts supposedly struggled with the change of ball for the cup tournament. Dubravka has emerged as somewhat of a hero for the Magpies this season, stepping in for the injured Nick Pope.

Eddie Howe's side have been defensively stoic with the Slovakian in goal, conceding just twice in their last seven outings. After the 2-0 win over Arsenal, Dubravka was visibly emotional as he appeared to say goodbye to Newcastle United fans with a drawn out goodbye on the turf of the Emirates Stadium.

Eddie Howe hopes player stays at St James’ Park

Amid talk of an exit, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano took to social media platform X on Wednesday morning to provide the latest on a deal. He said: "Martin Dubravka has an agreement in principle with Al Shabab over contract terms. He’s waiting for Newcastle’s final decision/green light before joining the Saudi Pro League club."

Magpies manager Eddie Howe was asked about the player's future after the game and told the Shields Gazette: “I know nothing, genuinely. I’ve been head down into the game so I’m sure I’ll speak to Paul [Mitchell, sporting director] at some stage today."

Pressed on whether he would hope to keep the shot-stopper as part of his squad, Howe replied: “That would be my wish.”

Dubravka was rated 8/10 for his performance against Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. The Shields Gazette wrote: "Made one big save at the end of the first half. Put under pressure from set-pieces but dealt with it well, making some good claims. Reacted well, handled the ball comfortably and commanded his area. Looked emotional as he left the pitch in what could be his final appearance."

Dubravka: ‘It’s not easy to leave Newcastle United’

The potential exit of Dubravka comes with his current contract at St James' Park expiring at the end of the season. The goalkeeper has been with Newcastle United since 2018, having arrived from Sparta Prague.

Former Juventus midfielder and 2003 Ballon d'Or winner Pavel Nedved is set to be appointed as Al-Shabab's new sporting director in the coming days and one of his first tasks in Riyadh will be to push through that Dubravka deal.

Speaking about his contract situation recently, Dubravka said: "Nobody has spoken to me about a contract extension yet, so I feel my phase is slowly coming to an end. I'm going to take it a bit more emotionally because seven years at one club is a long time.

"Everybody knows me here, I know everybody here. My children were born here. If it has to end, I will accept it. What else is left for me. But it won't be an easy departure."