OPINION
There were several Newcastle players who stepped up massively in the second half of Premier League season as the Magpies secured a top-half finish, and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was certainly among that number.
The Slovakian, signed on loan from Sparta Prague in January, has been instrumental in bringing about a transformation in Newcastle’s form since his arrival, and looks likely to be brought in permanently this summer.
There is no doubting Dubravka’s quality, with the 29-year-old putting in several breathtaking displays between the sticks, but there is a swoop in the offing for Newcastle that is too perfect to turn away from.
As reported by France Football, the Magpies have reignited their interest in PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, with Benitez said to have held several discussions with the 25-year-old Frenchman.
The 6ft 4in colossus would reportedly set the Magpies back between £13-17million this summer, which is a deal that represents good value for money.
Areola has played 43 games for PSG this season, keeping 21 clean sheets and impressing on many occasions as they stormed to a league and cup double.
At just 25 years old, he has turned out 72 times for the French giants, keeping a clean sheet in almost half of those games while conceding just 57 goals.
Areola is quite clearly a stopper destined for big things, and the chance to sign someone like that does not come around very often for a club like Newcastle.
With Benitez said to have held talks with Areola several times, it looks like Newcastle could be in with a real shout to sign him this summer.
However, the Frenchman will obviously not want to come to Tyneside if there is a clear obstacle in his way in the form of Dubravka, and the club must make a massive decision in the coming days.
Unfortunately for Dubravka, that means the club must bin their interest in the Slovakian and wrap up a deal for Areola, who has the potential to occupy the sticks aa St. James’ Park and become a legend on Tyneside.
