Newcastle launch bid for Serie A star Arthur Atta with price tag named

A lot of the headlines around Newcastle United have been centred around potential departures in recent weeks.

The Magpies have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69m, rejected a £75m bid from Tottenham Hotspur from Sandro Tonali and still face a fight to keep hold of Lewis Hall. But there are still some positives.

As much as losing those stars would be a major blow, such hefty sales would raise funds for Eddie Howe to welcome some reinforcements of his own this summer.

The intent has already been on display from Newcastle too, even if their pursuit of Victor Munoz ended unsuccessfully. Since then, their attention has turned to names likes of Folarin Balogun, who has been in excellent form at the World Cup, as well as midfield stars such as Kees Smit.

Balogun could finally solve Newcastle’s striker problem one year on from Alexander Isak’s departure to Liverpool for a Premier League-record fee.

Outside of attacking stars, however, those on Tyneside have also launched their move to sign a Serie A star who could arrive for a bargain price.

Newcastle launch approach to sign new midfielder

With Tonali potentially heading for the exit door, the Magpies simply have to sign a midfielder this summer and could do so by welcoming an impressive Frenchman.

According Sport Witness, Italian newspaper Tuttosport are ‘certain’ Newcastle have launched a formal bid to sign Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta.

Although the amount of that offer is unclear, Udinese are ready to accept any bids worth €40m (£34m) and have already identified their replacement in Cruz Azul’s Rodríguez Gómez.

Whilst Tonali provides that added defensive protection, Atta could reignite Newcastle’s attacking spark. The 23-year-old scored five Serie A goals last season and would thrive next to someone like Bruno Guimaraes.

If the goals aren’t coming from the frontline, as was the case in the last campaign, then midfielders should be well-placed to step up. That is where Atta would be a clear improvement on Tonali for just £34m this summer. Should the Italian head for the exit door, Newcastle should go all out for the Udinese star.

Atta’s arrival would be bad news for Joe Willock

Tonali’s departure would not only open up a spot in Newcastle’s midfield, it would also potentially end Joe Willock’s Newcastle career.

As things stand, it’s Guimaraes who does the heavy lifting in front of goal, whilst Joelinton acts as an enforcer and Tonali plays the box-to-box role. The latter’s departure, on paper, should hand Willock an opportunity to step up. But the reality is that Atta’s arrival would end the midfielder’s time at St James’ Park.

There would be no room for another attack-minded star in that new-look trio. Guimaraes would likely drop back into a deeper role, Joelinton would remain the enforcer and Atta would become the attacking orchestrator. Once again, there would be no room for Willock.

Why are Newcastle targeting Atta?

Atta is a clear target with Tonali’s potential exit in mind. He stands out as a bargain deal at a time when Newcastle need to spend what they make far wiser than last summer.

He provides goals without the defensive sacrifice and would be an instant upgrade on the likes of Willock. With Udinese ready to sanction an offer at their asking price, the move makes perfect sense for all parties.

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