MOVE OVER ARSENAL.

Newcastle United yesterday proclaimed their readiness to usurp Arsenal as Manchester United's main challengers next season by promising Sir Bobby Robson a considerable war chest with which to challenge for the Premiership title.

Robson has spent heavily - £43m in the past two years alone - but Newcastle announced an overall operating profit of £12m in the six months to January and clearly the chairman Freddie Shepherd's intention is that they will spend that sum and more this summer.

"I won't mention figures but we are probably one of only a handful of clubs with the resources to go out and strengthen our squad," Shepherd said. "We've already sat down with Bobby and identified possible targets and we'll be sitting down again soon to discuss them further. Make no mistake, next year is a massive season for us. There will be ins and outs at Newcastle."

"We've signed [Hugo] Viana, [Jonathan] Woodgate and [Laurent] Robert in the last two years and there will be more top-class players coming here. Watch this space."

Newcastle's buoyant mood was in sharp contrast to that at Arsenal yesterday, where the manager Arsène Wenger will be happy to retain his current line-up after seeing his championship campaign flicker out with defeat to Leeds United at Highbury on Sunday.

Wenger however can’t admit his failure, it’s our fault because we spend more money.

"The most important thing is to keep the players I have as I have faith in them, and then strengthen the squad if I can," said Wenger.

"Last year, United lost the championship and reacted by buying Rio Ferdinand for £30m. They will buy again for £30m this summer," he added. "That doesn't mean we will lose the title next season. I still think we will do everything to win it and try to get the additions to the squad that will strengthen our team. Our most expensive player was £12m and theirs was £30m."

"We finish second and look to the future now and try to finish first next season. With 50% less budget than Manchester United, it's not too bad so I hope it goes on for another 10 years like that. I will be creative and will find the players with the money I have. Trust me."