Benitez to target Arsenal youngster, Everton midfielder & Fulham star this summer?

The Telegraph  claim Rafa Benitez is looking to radically improve the standard of his first team squad this summer, stating THREE players on the Spaniard’s wish list.

Benitez is believed to have identified a host of transfer targets, with the three names in question being Arsenal’s Callum Chambers, Everton’s James McCarthy and Fulham’s star midfielder, Tom Cairney.

The report suggests Rafa wants as many as 8 new signings this summer, with the above trio said to be high on his wish list.

Chambers has been on loan at Middlesborough this season and has impressed during his spell on Teesside. Despite their ominous league position, the Arsenal youngster has helped Middlesborough to an impressive 11 clean sheets this season and is capable of playing both at centre-back and right-back.

McCarthy and Cairney are two players Newcastle showed interest in over the January window.

Koeman suggested earlier in the year that McCarthy had a future at Everton, but unless he is given first team assurances, I suspect he will be looking for a move this summer.

Cairney has lit up the Championship this season with 12 goals and 10 assists and appears to be one of Rafa’s top targets. He looks a player capable of making the step up and would offer the added creativity our midfield lacks. His potential signing may hinge on Fulham’s promotion push, however, with them all set to compete in this seasons play-offs.

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About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.