Real Madrid's Owen favours Arsenal over Newcastle

Arsenal will beat Newcastle United for Michael Owen should the Real Madrid striker decide to quit Spain at the end of this season.

Sources have told the Evening Chronicle that Owen is destined for Arsenal if he has not won a regular place at the Bernabeu Stadium by the end of the season.

The same sources that first revealed Jonathan Woodgate would not play for Real this season are saying that Owen would say "thank you but no thank you" should Newcastle boss Graeme Souness come calling in the summer.

The England ace would want to join a bigger club and is aware of reports linking him with Arsenal.