Amid growing interest in Alexander Isak’s signature, Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign a Champions League striker who could yet replace the Swede this summer.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies saw their momentum come to a crashing halt at The Etihad last time out as Manchester City did in 90 minutes what Arsenal failed to do across 180 by easing past Eddie Howe’s side. On a rare occasion in which many in Tyneside would have deemed Manchester City a very winnable game in their current state, they soon endured a humbling afternoon.
It’s a result that they’ll want to forget about sooner rather than later and the visit of Nottingham Forest certainly gives those at St James’ Park the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.
Meanwhile, as the fixtures continue to come thick and fast, so do the transfer rumours surrounding Isak. The in-form Swede has reportedly attracted the interest of several top Premier League sides, including both Liverpool and Arsenal to send the alarm bells ringing around Tyneside. Left with little choice but to consider their options, the Magpies have seemingly turned towards Italy.
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According to GiveMeSport, Newcastle are now battling to sign Dusan Vlahovic ahead of Tottenham Hotspur this summer amid concerns over Isak’s future. The Serbia international has fallen down the pecking order since Randal Kolo Muani’s arrival on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in January and has seen his valuation fall to £50m as a result.
Whilst their spending power has been a problem in the past, the sale of Isak would likely turn a £50m deal into a routine transfer for all involved at Newcastle. Still just 25 years old too, Vlahovic could quickly prove to be a bargain buy.
"Important" Vlahovic could replace Isak
Replacing Isak will undoubtedly be a near-impossible task whenever Newcastle are forced to do so, but the potential availability of Vlahovic should ease their concerns this summer. Whilst the forward hasn’t endured an easy time at Juventus, he has shown in glimpses just how clinical he can be in front of goal at a time in which the Old Lady’s powers are waning in Serie A.
Starts
16
23
Goals
8
17
Assists
1
5
Expected Goals
10
14.2
The alarm bell that will be ringing for Newcastle when looking at the numbers is that Vlahovic has underperformed when it comes to expected goals, which is where Isak has thrived. In that department, the Serb would need to enjoy instant improvement if he is to be among the top candidates to arrive this summer.
Meanwhile, Thiago Motta may not be keen to show the door to his forward, having told reporters at the end of January when asked about Vlahovic: “How did he react? Very good, very positive guy, very positive leader for the team.
“He came back from a small injury. When he participated, he helped the team a lot. He knows that he can also be an important choice in the second half to have a different profile, a different characteristic and maintain or raise our level to play a full game of 95 minutes.”