Newcastle are prepared to hijack Arsenal's summer move for Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser by offering Matt Ritchie in a player plus cash deal.
The intense interest in Fraser's future is not a surprise considering the diminutive attacker's fine form this season, scoring six goals and adding ten assists in 33 Premier League appearances.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with £20m moves for the Scotland international, but now Newcastle are looking to entice the Cherries with a player plus cash offer, according to the Scottish Sun as reported by the Daily Record.
Benitez has been frustrated by his minimal transfer budget during his Newcastle reign and while a bidding war with the powerful London club may not be feasible, a deal that sees Ritchie head to Bournemouth plus cash in exchange for Fraser could suit all parties.