Two weeks ago, some big claims emerged from Italy on Newcastle’s reported interest in Nicolas Gonzalez, with Viola News – an outlet covering all things Fiorentina – suggesting we’d launched a bid for the Argentinian winger.
Today, The Athletic have released an update on the Toon transfer front, naming a few right-sided forwards the club have genuine interest in.
Alongside Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, George Caulking confirms that Gonzalez is someone we’ve watched closely, meaning there could be some truth in those bid claims from Italy last month.
The 26-year-old bagged 16 goals for Fiorentina last season and has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, although a few sales may be needed to fund a big-money move for a quality right winger if we commit to a £60-65m deal for Marc Guehi.
The Athletic report that we’re facing some tough decisions on Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff – three Eddie Howe favourites who are out of contract next summer – while Miguel Almiron is another popular figure who would see his game time suffer if we signed another right winger.
These three decisions should not be tough at all.
Joseph(Quote)
Perhaps not, but it’s not that simple. If you get rid of Trippier we lack cover at RB and lose a leader. Longstaff is our only available RCM with Tonali still suspended and Miley out for a few months. Wilson is our only reliable back-up to Isak, but he’s injured too. Osula looks a talent but huge pressure on him if he’s first in line should Isak suffer an injury.
I think Almiron is an obvious one, but some of the above need to be replaced if thy are sold – not cheap to do that, all while we target Guehi on a club-record deal and also need an expensive new RW
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
I know what you’re saying Olly, but oh the irony of reliable and Wilson in the same sentence without ‘not’ 😉
Jonesy(Quote)
We played quite well without Trippier, and Krafth and Murphy for that matter have covered at RB.
We can juggle things around in midfield with Willock and Joelinton temporarily regards Longstaff but we may have to hang on to Wilson until January because of the latest of many injuries.
£30m for the first two would give us a healthy lever for a RW or RM.
You have to remember they will be worth a lot less the more we dally.
We should be trying to upgrade wherever possible imo.
Joseph(Quote)