There is just a week to go until the Premier League campaign gets underway and Newcastle United‘s squad is still lacking significant quality.
Whilst Bouzamana Toure, Aladji Bamba, Lukas Hornicek, Sean Steur and young defender Ewen Jaouen have all arrived, Matthias Jaissle will be the first to admit that he still needs more arrivals.
Things aren’t set to get any easier when the campaign gets underway, either. Joelinton’s injury has deepened the Magpies’ midfield crisis and increased the urgent need to get a deal for Joao Palhinha over the line.
Meanwhile, there are still problems in attack. Jaissle’s side have failed to score more than one goal in every one of their four friendly games under their new manager. They desperately need attacking options and that makes options like Christopher Nkunku all the more attractive.
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Newcastle’s potential striker options 26/27 |
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Christopher Nkunku |
Versatile French forward who can play centrally or in attacking midfield. Brings technical quality, movement and experience at the highest level. Newcastle are reportedly among the clubs interested in him this summer. |
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Nick Woltemade |
Tall, technically gifted German forward who can operate as a No.9 or deeper as a No.10. Offers a different profile to a traditional striker and can link play while posing an aerial threat. |
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Yoane Wissa |
Experienced forward who can lead the line or operate from the left. His pace, movement and finishing make him a mobile option for Newcastle’s attack. He has also been used centrally during pre-season. |
The fomer Chelsea star looks to be on his way out of Italy and a return to the Premier League could be on the horizon. It was in England that the forward scored six goals in 38 Premier League games, before bowing out at a time of chaos at Stamford Bridge.
A return to the Premier League would offer Nkunku a shot at redemption and a shot at rediscovering the form he last showed at RB Leipzig in the 2022/23 campaign.
He’s not someone that should be written off quite yet, either. The 28-year-old was involved in 11 goals in all competitions last season – more than Anthony Elanga and only five shy of Nick Woltemade’s record.
With a bigger role, the Frenchman could become the talisman that Newcastle so desperately need in the absence of Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle launch agent talks to sign Christopher Nkunku
As reported by Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo and relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have launched talks to sign Nkunku from AC Milan this summer. The Magpies are in direct conversation with the Frenchman’s representatives and have also made contact with Milan about a potential deal.
The Italian giants have told Nkunku to pack his things and leave after new manager Ruben Amorim deemed him surplus to requirements. Milan’s trash could quickly now become Newcastle’s treasure if they beat Aston Villa to a deal and reach the forward’s €35m (£30m) price-tag.
For the player, the chance to return to the Premier League is one that he should welcome with open arms. There will be instant opportunity if he picks St James’ Park, too. Unlike at Chelsea and Milan, there’s every chance that Nkunku would be the main man in Newcastle’s frontline.
The deal won’t come at a bargain price, but after selling Guimaraes, Gordon and Sandro Tonali earlier this summer, £30m should be well within Newcastle’s range this month.
