Callum Wilson’s excellent end to the season has forced Newcastle United into a transfer rethink, according to The Athletic.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
With Newcastle having now strengthened in pretty much every other position in the team since the Saudi Arabian takeover, a new forward was touted as a major priority even before the end of last season. While Chris Wood has arrived, it’s hard to suggest the New Zealand international is anything like an upgrade on Wilson, having only scored 2 goals in 17 games as a Newcastle player.
While there will need to be a signing given Wilson’s injury record, the 30-year-old proved hugely impressive towards the end of last season. Indeed, his performance against Arsenal was hailed while he scored twice in the final game of the season to relegate Burnley, underling his importance to the cause.
Such was the level of his performance, decision-makers have reportedly been forced into a rethink. Instead of blowing big-money on a senior forward, they will likely now target a younger player able to play across the frontline, one capable of playing in a wider position alongside Wilson as well as covering for him when he’s injured.
Who are the names Newcastle are targeting?
According to the report, Nice’s Amine Gouiri has been considered on Tyneside. Able to operate across the frontline, the 22-year-old scored 10 goals and registered 9 assists in 30 Ligue 1 appearances last season.
Armando Broja, meanwhile, is another to have been linked after scoring 6 goals on loan at Southampton last season, although Chelsea are still to decide on what to do with the 20-year-old Albania forward.
Despite agreeing a fee with Reims for forward Hugo Ekitike, a deal does not look likely at this stage after running into problems with the player’s agent.
What has been said about Newcastle’s need for a forward?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT in May, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie said: “They do need a top-class striker in there to compete with these guys. I mean, they’ve essentially just been playing Chris Wood 90 minutes most games since he arrived in January. He’s hardly had a break at all.”
