The Magpies may have discovered the ideal addition to their roster.
Newcastle United have jumped ahead in the race to sign a soon-to-be free agent, according to reports, after his present club failed to reach an agreement on a new contract with him.
PIF trying to upgrade on a shoestring budget
Following a disappointing season for Eddie Howe’s side, there are genuine questions regarding the Premier League’s financial fair play rules going into the summer.
As things stand, they appear to need to sell one of their players before investing in the squad, and CEO Darren Eales fueled the fire by acknowledging that it was “the nature of the beast” back in January.
“We will always make decisions based on the club’s medium to long-term benefit. It’s tough to comment on specific players, but I can say that if we’re going to get where we want to go, it’s sometimes important to trade your guys,” he explained. “It’s just the nature of the beast.”
The alternative would be to operate on a tight budget this summer, with European football and the associated prize money appearing doubtful at the moment, with Eddie Howe’s side currently ranked 10th.
Joelinton appears to be on the verge of being sold this summer if the club is unable to extend his contract until 2025, with reports circulating that his midfield partner and compatriot Bruno Guimaraes, who has a £100 million release clause in his contract, could be the one to leave.
However, the club may have just found a solution to that specific pair of probable departures.
Newcastle heading race for free agent
According to sources from Italy, Newcastle are first in line for France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who is certain to leave Juventus this summer as the Turin club struggles to sign him to a new contract.
The former PSG player has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, and nearly joined Manchester United two summers ago, only for the deal to fall through.
According to Italian outlet Tutto Juve, four clubs are vying for his signing, and he could finally make his transfer to England. However, Newcastle United and Premier League rivals Arsenal are ‘the clubs most interested in signing him’ this summer.
Eddie Howe’s team held conversations with Rabiot’s agent last month, but it appeared that Tottenham had jumped ahead of them in the hunt for the Frenchman. However, the most recent claims from Italy have firmly placed the Tyneside outfit back in the spotlight.
Rabiot is accustomed to playing regularly in the Champions League, so the lack of European action may be a source of concern for the Magpies. However, if they could persuade the Frenchman to support their initiative, they might be able to sway him. Furthermore, Rabiot has previously stated that a return to Paris Saint Germain is unlikely.
“It’s [the interest] flattering on the one hand, but it remains difficult when you know how it finished” , he told reporters at the time. “You should never close any door, but that will not be my priority in any case.”
With suitors for the midfielder likely to be scarce, a hefty salary offer might tip the balance in Newcastle’s favor this summer.
