Chelsea are already preparing an offer to sign a clinical Victor Osimhen alternative this summer, as they remain on the hunt for a striker.
Boehly targeting new frontman despite Chelsea worries
Some concerns have surrounded their ability to comply with PSR regulations, after the club posted seismic losses for the second financial year running.
Chelsea forced into green-lighting player sale at 50 per cent discount
The Blues need to balance their books this summer.
By
Emilio Galantini
Apr 10, 2024
There are suggestions that Chelsea need to raise £100 million through player sales by June 30, to avoid potential sanctions, but it remains the case that Mauricio Pochettino's side are chasing a new number nine.
One front man who they've been very regularly linked with is Napoli star Osimhen. It is believed Chelsea are among the frontrunners to sign Osimhen this summer, with former midfielder John Obi Mikel even playing agent.
"I know you're going to come to Chelsea," said Mikel.
Chelsea's top scorers in the league this season
Goals
Cole Palmer
16
Nicolas Jackson
9
Raheem Sterling
6
Mykhailo Mudryk
4
Conor Gallagher
3
"I'm telling you, I'm going to be the agent to broker that deal! You are 100 per cent going to Chelsea next season. I'm going to make sure that deal happens because we are crying out for someone like you. Since the big man left the club, you know Didier Drogba, my teammate, we haven't had anybody with that figure, that stature, that personality.
"Someone who can score goals in big games and somebody we can depend on scoring goals, and I just feel like you are that person, you will fit right in at what we need to achieve at the club."
While Osimhen would be a dream capture from Chelsea's perspective, reports also suggest Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis could remain firm on the Nigerian's release clause (Fabrizio Romano) – which stands at around £113 million.
It could therefore be wise to have alternatives to Osimhen when the window reopens, and it is believed one such player could be Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres.
Viktor Gyokeres
The Swede has scored a quite sensational 36 goals and bagged 15 assists over 2023/2024, lighting up the Primeira Liga under Ruben Amorim ever since he opted to make the move to Portugal from Coventry City.
This has alerted Chelsea chiefs, as explained by journalist Pedro Sepulveda this week.
Chelsea preparing summer bid for Gyokeres
According to Sepulveda, Chelsea are "preparing an offer" to sign Gyokeres this summer as they gear up for a transfer tussle with Arsenal – who are also on the look out for a star frontman.
While an £86 million release clause still represents a significant investment on Chelsea's part, the valuation remains lower than that of Osimhen's, so this could be one to watch.
أوضح إمام عاشور لاعب النادي الأهلي، حقيقة تهربه من الانضمام إلى معسكر منتخب مصر الحالي، بادعاء الإصابة خلال اللقاء الأخير أمام زد بالدوري.
وقال عاشور خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “منتخب مصر شرف لأي لاعب، أي أحد يتمنى ارتداء قميص المنتخب الوطني”.
وأضاف: “من اللاعب الذي يأتي له المنتخب ويدعي الإصابة!؟، الناس يتحدثون عني، رغم أن هناك لاعبين كثيرون تعرضوا للإصابة لم ينضموا للمنتخب، لماذا الحديث عن إمام بالتحديد!”.
وتابع: “كنت قد تركت معسكر منتخب مصر الماضي وأنا مصاب، إذا كنت أدعي الإصابة كان قد تم الإعلان عن ذلك من قبل أعضاء الجهاز الفني للمنتخب”.
وأكمل: “أعاني من إجهاد في الخلفية، ليس في حاجة إلى تبرير ذلك، لماذا أدعي الإصابة؟!”.
طالع | حسام حسن يحدد شرط عودة إمام عاشور إلى منتخب مصر
وواصل: “حسين الشحات أستمتع والكرة معه، هو من أحرف اللاعبين على مستوى الجناح في مصر، ولا يبخل بأي شيء دائمًا”.
وأردف: “أنا مررت بموسم صعب وضغوط كبيرة، زملائي ساعدوني، لم أشعر بأي غربة إطلاقًا، اندمجت في الفريق سريعًا ولم أشعر بأي شيء غير أنني أريد تحقيق بطولات، هذا ما تطبعت به من اللاعبين، لاعبو الأهلي لا يوجد لديهم مستحيل، سعيد بتواجدي وسط كل هؤلاء النجوم”.
وأتم: “أفشة من الناس المحترمين ولاعب كبير، أنا بعد أي مباراة أتحدث معه، أتشاور في أي أحداث خلال المباراة”.
West Ham United are approaching the business end of the campaign with much to fight for, sat in the lowest European spot in the Premier League – seventh – and preparing for a Europa League quarter-finals clash in April against high-flying German side Bayer Leverkusen.
David Moyes cannot seem to shake the polarity from his position in the dugout but he really has done so much for this club, clinching the Europa Conference League last season and bringing the squad to a fresh level of quality despite Declan Rice's £105m sale to Arsenal.
Arsenal players Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice
Whatever happens, it's clear that the Hammers will need to sign a striker in the off-season. Michail Antonio is ageing and persistently hampered by injury, Danny Ings has flattered to deceive at the London Stadium and Divin Mubama, aged 19, is clearly not trusted with a starring role, yet to start in the Premier League.
West Ham eyeing statement signing
According to Football Insider, West Ham are plotting an audacious swoop for Brentford centre-forward Ivan Toney, emboldened by suggestions that Arsenal have cooled their interest in the England international.
It's claimed that the Hammers want to make a 'statement signing' during the summer, and with suitors Chelsea also facing issues relating to financial regulations, the prospect of him moving to east London is becoming more palpable.
The Bees hope to cash in on their talisman in a deal approaching £100m. Candidly, it's hard to envisage a world where West Ham meet such staggering demands, but Toney wants to leave and the cogs might fall into place.
Why Ivan Toney would be perfect for West Ham
Toney is a proven marksman in the Premier League, scoring 20 goals from 33 top-flight fixtures last season before his lengthy suspension for breaching FA betting rules.
Having returned from his suspension in January, the 28-year-old bagged four goals from his first five Premier League matches of the current campaign, though he has plateaued across recent weeks as Thomas Frank's side nosedive, out of form and sinking closer toward the relegation zone.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney
Quite simply, he would be the dream acquisition for West Ham, an exceptional goalscorer with a combative attitude, deceptive link-up play and phase-building qualities. His tally of 12 big chances created in the Premier League last season was bettered only by Harry Kane's 14.
Moreover, he ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for interceptions, the top 9% for clearances and the top 16% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref.
If West Ham were to succeed with this unlikely 'statement signing' it would be a portent of further riches in east London, perhaps even convincing current club-record £51m signing Lucas Paqueta to remain with the squad.
Paqueta is a maestro, multi-faceted and not shy to get stuck in and contribute defensively. West Ham have missed the mark on many occasions with high-cost acquisitions but they certainly didn't misfire with this one.
The Brazil international has been brilliant in the Premier League this season, scoring three goals and supplying five assists across 22 matches, creating nine big chances and averaging 1.5 key passes, 2.4 tackles, 6.8 ball recoveries and 8.1 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore.
He's elite, and as such, some of the big boys have noted his performances, with Manchester City prepared to pay £80m for his services last summer before a move was scuppered by an FA investigation into betting breaches.
With Paqueta
22
12
1.8
Without Paqueta
7
0
0.4
It wouldn't be a surprise if the 26-year-old was at the centre of intense transfer speculation again in several months, with Pep Guardiola's side reported to be 'ready' to return for the midfielder, as per reports from this month.
With a star striker like Toney chucked into the mix, a real "monster" as described by his Brentford manager, West Ham would underscore their desire to thrive at the forefront of the European game and it might just be the perfect move to convince Paqueta to stay.
Celtic went into the international break in first place in the Scottish Premiership after they beat St. Johnstone 3-1 in Glasgow in their last match.
The Hoops picked up all three points at Parkhead thanks to goals from Kyogo Furuhashi, James Forrest, and Nicolas Kuhn, which sent them to the top of the division after their rivals had their game postponed to a waterlogged pitch at Dundee.
Brendan Rodgers' side need to have a strong end to the 2023/24 campaign to avoid a trophyless season, after they were knocked out of the League Cup by Kilmarnock in August and finished bottom of their Champions League group.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers applauds the fans.
This international break has provided a chance for some of Celtic's crop of injured players to nurse their way back to fitness, and – in some cases – it has offered players who are not playing many first-team minutes an opportunity to catch the eye whilst playing for their country.
Hoops teen Rocco Vata is yet to establish himself as a regular in the senior side but Rodgers may now want to finally unleash the young gem after his phenomenal display for Ireland at U21 level on Friday.
Rocco Vata's performance against San Marino
The 18-year-old magician lined up as one of the three attacking midfielders behind Sinclair Armstrong against San Marino in the U21 clash at the end of last week.
He recorded a sensational Sofascore rating of 9.9/10 for his performances in the match, with three goals scored and one chance created in a 7-0 thumping.
Vata's first goal came after a series of errors at the back by the opposition defence. They failed to deal with Tony Springett's initial shot and then a sliced clearance allowed the Celtic teen to volley the ball into an empty net.
As you can see in the clip above, his second goal came just after the hour-mark as the midfielder picked the ball up on the half-turn in the opposition's half before brilliantly jinking past one defender before rifling a long-range effort into the bottom corner.
He completed his hat-trick in stoppage time at the end of the match after Bosun Lawal – his former B team teammate who is currently on loan with Fleetwood Town in England – fired a shot towards goal that the midfielder deflected in, much to the versatile defender's frustration as he appeared to be gutted that Vata got a touch on the ball that seemed to be going in anyway.
The Celtic starlet, who also completed four dribbles during the game, showcased his lethal finishing at the top end of the pitch from an attacking midfield position, and Rodgers should take notice of that.
Daniel Kelly has had plenty of first-team opportunities in recent weeks and should now be moved over to make room for Vata to make his mark at senior level, or be played alongside his B team colleague.
Daniel Kelly's season in numbers
The Scotland U19 international, who did not score or assist a goal in his side's 3-1 defeat to Italy last week, has made five first-team appearances for the club this season.
His emergence for Rodgers' men came after a return of one goal and zero assists in 15 appearances in the Lowland League, along with two goals in six UEFA Youth League outings as a central and attacking midfielder.
Last season, Kelly was predominantly deployed as a defensive or central midfielder and failed to contribute with a goal or an assist in 20 matches for the B team and Youth League side.
23/24 Premiership
Daniel Kelly
Appearances
3
Minutes played
84
Goals
1
Key passes
0
Pass accuracy
84%
Duel success rate
33%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 18-year-old maestro has almost racked up 90 minutes of Premiership action for the Scottish giants this season, and has scored his first senior goal.
The teenage dynamo brilliantly curled the ball into the far corner from Hyun-jun Yang's cross into the box in a 7-1 win over Dundee towards the end of February.
However, his aforementioned statistics at youth level do not suggest that the midfielder is likely to provide consistent quality as a scorer or creator of goals from the middle of the park.
Whereas, Vata's form for Celtic B, and his exceptional performance for Ireland, shows that the potential is there for him to emerge as a lethal option for Rodgers in the final third.
Rocco Vata's goalscoring quality
The 18-year-old star, who talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed has an "exciting" future ahead, has only played 11 minutes in one appearance in the Premiership this season.
His goalscoring exploits for the B team, however, suggest that there is a quality attacking midfielder to be unearthed for the Scottish giants.
Vata, who scored his first senior goal against Buckie Thistle in the SFA Cup earlier this year, has racked up 13 goals in 16 matches across the Lowland League and Challenge Cup this season.
Rocco Vata
The Irish youngster, who can play anywhere in the frontline, as an attacking midfielder, winger, or striker, has scored 14 goals in 24 games for the academy and first-team combined this term.
Meanwhile, Kyogo Furuhashi (15) is the only Celtic player with more than 11 goals for the senior side in all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign so far, which speaks to how impressive Vata's scoring rate has been.
22/23 Premiership
Rocco Vata
Appearances
4
Minutes played
44
Key passes
3
Big chances created
2
Pass accuracy
89%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Ange Postecoglou offered the youngster a chance to shine in the Premiership last season, and the teen starlet produced an eye-catching two 'big chances' created in just 44 minutes of action.
This suggests that Vata, who scored nine goals in 16 Lowland Leage appearances during the 2022/23 campaign, also has the quality to create high-quality chances for his teammates, whilst also being able to carry a big goalscoring threat of his own.
Therefore, Rodgers must finally unleash the Ireland U21 international, whether that is from the start or as a substitute on a regular basis, ahead of Kelly after his sensational performance during the international break, and due to his general form for the B team and first-team over the last 18 months.
An Aston Villa midfielder who earns £75,000-per-week has been the subject of interest from Serie A in recent days, according to reports.
Aston Villa's attack on fire this season
The difference between Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa and Unai Emery's side is quite staggering. Under Gerrard, the team seemed dilapidated and destined for relegation. However, Emery has managed to turn things around and get the Villans competing for the European spots all while playing with style, boasting more top flight goals than all but the three title chasers.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery during a Premier League game.
Indeed, the entirety of the team have seemingly over-performed this season, but their attacking play is the area of the squad which has really shone. Ollie Watkins is the second-highest top flight scorer this season, just two behind than Erling Haaland, but despite his incredible form, his supporting cast have more than lived up to the billing.
Between Leon Bailey, Nicolo Zaniolo and Moussa Diaby, the trio have managed a total of 18 assists across all competitions thus far.
Zaniolo has been picked out for praise by his manager despite rumblings he will leave at the end of his loan spell.
"Zaniolo as a person, it is very easy to talk with him, to work with him," Emery said. “His behaviour and commitment with us from the first day was very good. His adaptation is going very well, and then he is playing well."
Nicolo Zaniolo's season so far
Games
30
Goals
2
Assists
0
Data via Transfermarkt
And, although the Midlands club are currently on course for a top four finish, all good things have to come to an end, so some players will have to leave in the summer in order for them to be competitive in Europe's most prestigious competition while abiding with FFP.
"Very good" Aston Villa star in Serie A contact
Zaniolo looks set to leave Villa Park this summer. That is, according to TuttoMercatoWeb, as summarised by Sport Witness, who say that there have already "been contacts" between the 24-year-old and Lazio.
The attacker is only on loan with the Villans until the end of the season and the report states that the attacker will 'return to Galatasaray' at the end of his loan spell. Then, a move to Lazio remains in the balance as Zaniolo has an 'important past' with Roma, Lazio's arch-rivals.
Despite this, club president, Claudio Lotito, sees the 24-year-old as an 'ideal profile' for his summer reinforcements.
While he has played in 30 games for Emery, only 11 of those appearances have come as starts, hence why a permanent move to England is currently not on the cards.
O Fluminense venceu, nesta quarta-feira, o Independiente Santa Fé, na Colômbia, por 2 a 1 e assumiu a liderança do Grupo D da Libertadores. Com dois gols de Fred, o atacante foi enaltecido nas redes. Em contrapartida, o lateral-esquerdo Egídio, autor da assistência para o segundo gol do camisa 9 e expulso na metade do segundo tempo, assumiu o topo do Trending Topics do Twitter. Torcedores do Fluminense não perdoaram o erro do jogador. + Confira a classificação dos grupos da Libertadores
RelacionadasFora de CampoCruzeiro comete gafe em publicação e web não perdoaFora de Campo28/04/2021Fora de CampoThiago Neves ajuda ex-clube a reformar gramados do estádio e CT; entendaFora de Campo28/04/2021Fora de CampoJá viu isso? Nas redes sociais, Independiente Del Valle brinca com goleada sofrida diante do PalmeirasFora de Campo28/04/2021
Em lance polêmico, Egídio recebeu o segundo cartão amarelo e foi expulso pelo árbitro uruguaio Andres Cunha. Na web, os tricolores ficaram desesperados com erro do lateral, que quase comprometeu o resultado para os brasileiros.
Egídio tem que voltar de ônibus parador Armênia x Central do Brasil.
— ABAD, O FISCAL (@AbadFiscaliza) April 29, 2021
Essa jogo demonstra bem o que é contar com o atleta Egídio em campo. É capaz de meter um cruzamento perfeito a la Nilton Santos e quinze minutos depois dar uma cabaçada de…. Egídio.
É a carreira inteiro isso.
Um lateral 5 que acha que é 8 e faz besteiras de 2.
— Edu (@goldorayo) April 29, 2021
Na moral, não tem como elogiar o Egídio. O cara vê que ta bem e ele faz questao de mudar isso em instantes
— NostalgiaFlu (@NostalgiaFlu) April 29, 2021
Obrigado, Egídio. Graças a você descobri que de ataque do coração não morro mais.
— João Paulo Pires (@jppiresmarra) April 29, 2021
Parabéns a essa grande contratação que foi o EGÍDIO…
— NASCE O FLUMINENSE 🇭🇺 (@NasceOflu) April 29, 2021
GOAL breaks down what the U.S. team will look like for this summer's tournament on home soil
The Copa America is heading back to the United States and, for the hosts, this summer's tournament will be a vital measuring stick as we reach the halfway point on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
The U.S. men's national team will be looking to build on the successes of the 2022 World Cup cycle, and on the road to 2026, this summer's Copa America will be their biggest test. For years, this group has been desperate to prove that they can hang with the world's elite; well, here's their chance. Teams like Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay are up there with the best on the planet, and if the U.S. wants to be considered among them, an extended run in this tournament is the only way to prove it.
Back in 2016, the last time the tournament was hosted stateside, a U.S. team under Jurgen Klinsmann put forth a respectable showing, making it all the way to the semifinals before being trounced by Lionel Messi's Argentina, and eventually fell in a third-place game against Colombia, too.
A run to the semis will feel like the bare minimum for Gregg Berhalter and co. this summer. He has a talented young group at his disposal, perhaps more talented than any U.S. team we've ever seen. As such, Berhalter has needed to make some tough choices this summer in terms of his roster selection as he looks to guide the U.S. through a big moment in this group's history.
So who is on the USMNT Copa America squad? GOAL takes a look at the official 26-man roster.
Getty
GOALKEEPERS
Matt Turner remains the USMNT's No.1, and despite his lack of minutes at club level for Nottingham Forest, it doesn't feel like that'll change any time soon. There isn't quite anyone in position to challenge him at the moment, and his U.S. performances have never shown any sign of dropping off.
Behind him, Ethan Horvath remains the clear backup, with Johnson behind him.
Name
Club
Ethan Horvath
Cardiff City
Sean Johnson
Toronto FC
Matt Turner
Nottingham Forest
Advertisement
Getty
DEFENDERS
At right-back, Sergino Dest was set to be the go-to starter before his untimely injury. Joe Scally is his replacement, though Tim Weah and Shaq Moore provide alternative options. Antonee Robinson, meanwhile, is a lock at left-back, while Kristoffer Lund will provide backup.
Centrally, Tim Ream and Chris Richards seem are the starters, but all three of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Mark McKenzie and Miles Robinson will be competing for minutes.
Name
Club
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Celtic
Kristoffer Lund
Palermo
Mark McKenzie
Genk
Shaq Moore
Nashville SC
Tim Ream
Fulham
Chris Richards
Crystal Palace
Antonee Robinson
Fulham
Miles Robinson
FC Cincinnati
Joe Scally
Borussia Monchengladbach
Getty
MIDFIELDERS
The MMA midfield of Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams carried the USMNT through the 2022 World Cup, and that trio could very well return this summer. However, Gio Reyna still has his role to play, and it will likely move Musah to the bench.
Behind Adams, the U.S. has a new backup No.6 in Johnny Cardoso, while Luca de la Torre is the player to come in if McKennie or Musah are absent.
Malik Tillman, meanwhile, will still have his say after an outstanding season with PSV.
Name
Club
Tyler Adams
Bournemouth
Johnny Cardoso
Real Betis
Luca de la Torre
Celta Vigo
Weston McKennie
Juventus
Yunus Musah
AC Milan
Gio Reyna
Nottingham Forest
Malik Tillman
PSV
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Getty Images
FORWARDS
Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Josh Sargent will all be vying for a starting role at striker, but it's more likely now that we see Wright played in a wide role.
With Sargent carrying a knock, it's more than likely one of Pepi or Balogun get the nod for game one vs Bolivia, now, too.
Out wide, the options essentially pick themselves. Christian Pulisic will start on the left, while Weah will be on the right, with Wright available off the bench alongside Brenden Aaronson.
أعلنت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز عبر موقعها الرسمي، عن رجل مباراة ليفربول وكريستال بالاس، التي جمعت بين الفريقين ضمن الجولة السابعة، على ملعب سيلهرست بارك.
وفاز ليفربول بهدف نظيف سجله ديوجو جوتا، وخرج الريدز بالثلاث نقاط ليحافظ على صدارة ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
طالع أيضًا.. ماذا قدم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وكريستال بالاس بـ الدوري الإنجليزي ؟
وحصل الدولي الإنجليزي ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد الظهير الأيمن لفريق ليفربول على جائزة رجل المباراة، بعد الأداء الدفاعي المميز الذي قدمه في مواجهة هجوم أصحاب الأرض.
ونجح ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد في اعتراض كرة، والتدخل بالتزحلق بنجاح مرتين في مواجهة هجوم كريستال بالاس، مع دقة تمريرات وصلت 70%.
أشاد قائد الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي إيبسويتش تاون، سام مرسي، بجميع زملاءه بعد التعادل القاتل الذي حققوه أمام ساوثهامبتون في إطار الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وأقيمت مباراة إيبسويتش وساوثهامبتون على ملعب الأخير “سانت ماري” بقيادة الحكم، سام أليسون.
ولكن نجح إيبسويتش في الحصول على نقطة ثمينة بهدف قاتل سجله سام مرسي في الدقيقة الخامسة من الوقت بدل الضائع من الشوط الثاني.
اقرأ أيضًا.. ردود فعل جماهير ليفربول على أداء محمد صلاح أمام بورنموث: رجل كل الأوقات
وتحدث سام مرسي عن المباراة في تصريحات لشبكة “بي بي سي” البريطانية، وقال: “إذا كنت تلعب بعيدًا عن ملعبك وسجلت هدفًا في الدقيقة 95، فهذا شعور رائع”.
وتابع: “من الرائع أيضًا أن نحتفل مع جماهيرنا والحصول على نقطة مستحقة بشق الأنفس”.
وأضاف قائد إيبسويتش: “كنا نعلم أن ساوثهامبتون لديهم فريق جيد، لكننا نتحسن ونتطور كل جولة وهناك أشياء يجب تحسينها بشكل أفضل، لكن لدينا العزيمة والإصرار على النجاح”.
وأتم: “أعتقد أننا كنا الفريق الأفضل في مباراة اليوم، والتعادل اليوم يمنحنا دفعة أخرى لنتدرب بجد للمباريات المقبلة ولا نستسلم أبدًا حتى اللحظات الأخيرة”.
Newcastle United are now ready to make an offer to sign an "extraordinary" player in the near future, according to a new transfer update.
Newcastle could sign new attacker
Eddie Howe's side have not been without their problems this season, with constant injury problems threatening to derail their campaign at times.
Newcastle are already out of the Champions League after failing to get past the group stage, and they didn't even go into the Europa League play-offs as a result of their 4th-placed finish.
Meanwhile, they lost on penalties to Chelsea in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night and have plenty of work to do to repeat last season's fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
However, the January transfer window will afford Howe the opportunity to make new signings, and it could be that they will target a new attacking player.
Both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak have found themselves in and out of the team through injury this season, and added firepower could potentially make a big difference between now and the end of the campaign.
VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy has been linked with a move to Newcastle, with the 27-year-old enjoying a stunning season that has seen him score 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances, 12 of which have been starts.
It looks as though the Magpies could be eyeing another attacking player, however, following a new report that has emerged regarding their possible January transfer business.
Newcastle want Joshua Zirkzee
According to Milan Web [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are keen on signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, with the Magpies willing to battle AC Milan for his signature.
Premier League, Newcastle United, Newcastle United news, Newcastle United latest news, Newcastle United analysis, NUFC news, NUFC latest news, NUFC team news, NUFC analysis, Eddie Howe, Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak
The report claims that they are "ready to put" as much as €50m (£43.3m) on the table for the 22-year-old forward, and PIF would "guarantee a mega salary" for him, which could turn his head.
Zirkzee is a hugely exciting player who is impressing so much for Bologna at the moment, so the idea of him in a Newcastle shirt is mouthwatering. This season, the Dutchman has scored seven times and registered two assists in 15 Serie A starts, while Bologna coach Thiago Motta recently lauded him after a goalscoring performance against Sassuolo, saying:
"It was an excellent goal from a player with extraordinary qualities. He scored a similar goal in training. Joshua is very talented, but I want to emphasize that he also works very hard for it."
Bringing in Zirkzee could make such a difference to Newcastle's attack in the coming months, and with Wilson now 31 years of age, he could even be viewed as a long-term partner for Isak, not to mention someone who can provide stiff competition should Howe only play one striker in some games.
Newcastle signing £51m "phenom" could be bad news for Gordon
This £51m “silent assassin” could be coming for Gordon’s spot in the Newcastle team.
By
Adam Scully
Dec 21, 2023
At 22, he would be a long-term signing rather than a quick fix, and his 6 foot 4 stature makes him an imposing striker, but who is also strong technically, with WhoScored picking out dribbling and passing as two of the Magpies transfer target's main strengths.