Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor claims we have shortlisted Ligue 1 trio Hugo Ekitike, Stephy Mavididi and Bamba Dieng as potential striker targets.
The reporter says our owners have drafted up secondary targets with a view towards the future following the arrival of Chris Wood for £25million.
Fixing the immediate holes in the squad – especially in defence – will also be prioritised as the clock ticks down towards Monday’s 11pm deadline, but it seems Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah may not be the only young forward that’s been put to Eddie Howe.
Sky Sports reported a fortnight ago that Reins striker Ekitike was keen on a move to Tyneside this month. However, things have since gone quiet on that front since talks first took place, with West Ham tipped to sign the 19-year-old today.
Mavivida – who came through Arsenal’s youth academy – is currently impressing for Montpelier, with the versatile forward scoring eight goals in their opening 21 games this season. Interestingly, his brother, Shaun, is already on the club’s books at U18 level.
Marseille’s Dieng is currently at AFCON with Senegal and could be available for as little as £8million according to reports in France, with West Ham and Crystal Palace also said to be interested.
The January market is the most difficult time to bring in players. Apart from the fact that teams very rarely want to part with players at this time of year, prices are inflated, especially when they see Newcastle United approaching.
So isn’t it highly unlikely that the new owners would buy “with a view towards the future”, in the January market?
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