Martin Dubravka looked visibly emotional after what was likely his final game as a Newcastle United player.
Dubravka started between the sticks as Eddie Howe’s side recorded a 2-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.
The Slovakian was kept busy throughout the contest as Arsenal fired off 23 shots in total.
Despite the Gunners boasting 70 per cent possession, they simply could not find a way past Dubravka and the watertight Magpies back line.
Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon did the business, with Isak’s strike equalling a 23-year record.
However, the night belonged to Dubravka as he recorded his fifth clean sheet in his last seven appearances across all competitions.
The clean sheet may prove to be Dubravka’s final act for the Magpies, as talkSPORT understands the 35-year-old is close to joining Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.
It is understood Al Shabab has a verbal agreement in place with Dubravka and remain confident a deal will be formalised soon to take him to the riches of the Middle East despite Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s admiration for the gloveman.
Should the move transpire, Dubravka would link up with the likes of Yannick Carrasco, Daniel Podence and former Southampton defender Wesley Hoedt.
Dubravka’s actions after the game certainly seemed to suggest it was his last outing for the Magpies.
After his teammates had applauded the travelling Toon supporters, Dubravka stood alone in front of them with his hands on his hips.
The Slovakian, whose contract with Newcastle expires in June, then wiped his eyes before clapping the fans and patted the Newcastle crest as he walked away and was given a hug by Dan Burn.
Despite the emotional post-match scenes, Howe remained hopeful it was not Dubravka’s last outing for the Magpies.
“I’ve got nothing to add,” Howe said.
“We’ve been preparing for this game with Martin. He’s playing very well at the moment and of course, I wouldn’t want to lose him.”
When asked if Dubravka could be offered a new deal to remain at Newcastle, Howe replied: “That would be my wish.”
Dubravka’s imminent departure will bring an end to his seven-year stay at the club having joined on loan from Sparta Prague in January 18.
He made an instant impression, earning man of the match honours on his debut as Newcastle beat Manchester United 1-0.
The Magpies opted to turn Dubravka’s deal permanent for just £3million that summer and has gone on to make 170 appearances for the club across all competitions, keeping 51 clean sheets.
Dubravka was relegated to back-up goalkeeper duties following Nick Pope’s arrival in 2022, but the latter’s recent knee injury brought the Slovakian back into the starting line-up.
His return has coincided with Newcastle’s impressive run of form as Howe’s side have won seven-straight games across all competitions.
