adminNewcastle United are hoping to strengthen their forward ranks this summer, and have quickly sounded out a new option, as Sportsboom reports that contact has been made for an Arsenal star.
The Magpies have already sold Anthony Gordon this summer, as he made a move to Barcelona, while further exits are expected in the attacking areas in the coming weeks of the transfer window.
While it’s unclear exactly what Eddie Howe’s options will look like coming into next season, what is clear is that a refresh of the squad is desperately needed after such a disappointing Premier League campaign last time out.
Links with the likes of Victor Muñoz and Anan Khalaili offer some young stars with exciting potential, but it appears as though some experienced operators could also be on the cards for Newcastle, if recent reports are to be believed.
According to the report from Sportsboom, Newcastle are showing interest in Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus heading into the summer transfer window.
It’s claimed that the club have made contact to ask about the availability of the Brazilian forward, who is entering the final year of his deal at the Emirates Stadium as club begins negotiations.
The report adds that Howe is keen to add an experienced option to his forward line to help get Newcastle back towards the top of the Premier League table once again, with hopes of returning to European competition.
The 29-year-old has been quoted as being paid £265,000-a-week at Arsenal on his current contract, a figure that has proved to be a stumbling block for several sides who have been linked in the past.
As for this summer, Premier League rivals Everton have been linked with Jesus as an option to improve David Moyes’s depth in attack, while his former side Palmeiras have also emerged as contenders.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will formalise such a move with an offer for the versatile forward, though there may be reservations over a switch.
Any team eyeing a move for Gabriel Jesus this summer is likely to have the same reservations as the rest, mainly surrounding the Brazilian’s fitness.
The 29-year-old has been plagued with injury issues in recent seasons, the latest of which was an Anterior Cruciate Ligament issue that saw the star out of action for nearly a year.
In that time since, Jesus hasn’t looked quite the same player, missing that creative spark that seemed to make him such a threat earlier in his career.
While a full pre-season could help him regain that, it would be a risk for a club such as Newcastle to throw a lot at trying to get a deal over the line for the forward.
The Magpies need a streamlined and efficient squad, considering the lack of European football, and adding a potentially injury-prone forward who will turn 30 next April provides a clear risk, especially if a long-term contract is on the table.
Any move for Jesus would have to be on Newcastle’s terms, otherwise it should be one that they avoid.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
admin
