OPINION
Many Newcastle United fans will no doubt be excited with trepidation for this summer’s transfer window, and it will certainly be interesting to see what Mike Ashley can pull out of the bag this time around.
The summer transfer windows often fill supporters with frustration and lost hope, but that could not be more different now after the way the Magpies have turned their fortunes around in the last few months.
They will be hoping to secure deals for their prime targets rather than miss out on signing them due to financial issues, and one of those prime targets should be AC Milan midfielder Diego Laxalt.
According to Calcio Mercato, Newcastle were set to make a January bid for the 26-year-old, but as we have found out, that is something that never materialised. However, they must now make amends by sealing a deal for him in the summer.
Laxalt is as versatile as he is talented. He can operate at left-back as well as on the left of the midfield, something which would be a huge bonus for Rafa Benitez. With Antonio Barreca bound to return to Monaco this summer, a move for the Uruguayan would be very wise indeed, otherwise Paul Dummett will be the only viable option.
It is safe to say that Newcastle have struggled with their left-midfield this season, with the likes of Kenedy hardly making a spark during his second loan spell with the club. It remains to be seen whether he will return to Chelsea this summer, and as for Christian Atsu, he has hardly set things alight, has he?
The manager would essentially be fixing two problem areas if he reignited a swoop for the midfielder, which means that he could potentially save quite a few pennies in the process.
Over to you, Benitez – many of the fans would surely drool if the South American flyer arrived at St James’ Park this summer.
