Newcastle United want to sign Moussa Diaby, and they want to sign Alexander Isak.
The Magpies are currently looking for attacking reinforcements, and have enough transfer budget left to make one big splash.
That makes things difficult for Newcastle, as Eddie Howe wants a winger and a striker. Both Diaby and Isak would command club record fees, meaning there’s no chance that both will head to St James’ Park this summer.
Talk of a move for the French winger has gone slightly quiet lately, with a lofty asking price proving to be a stumbling block.
Now Swedish striker Isak is in the conversation, with the Telegraph reporting that Newcastle could break the bank to sign him. He would be a wonderful signing, and is a player who Steve Nickson has admired for years.
However, he is not the club’s first choice.
Newcastle want to sign Diaby over Isak
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle would prefer to sign Diaby over Isak. They add that the Magpies are planning one final push to bring the France international to Tyneside.
Leverkusen reportedly want around £50million for Diaby, whereas Newcastle are only looking to spend £40million.
That’s where the issue lies, and it is up to Newcastle whether they push the boat out further or walk away and look elsewhere.
If they do decide to do the latter, Isak appears to be the next target. Spending big on a striker like him would make sense as he can also play out wide.
However, Newcastle are right to prioritise Diaby. Right wing is a position that needs strengthening, and he is a lot better than our current options. He’s been described as ‘very clever‘ by current teammate Lukas Hradecky, while he provided 25 goal contributions in the Bundesliga last season.
In contrast, we currently have Callum Wilson leading the line who is an excellent Premier League striker. The issue is his fitness record rather than his ability.
Newcastle need someone like Diaby, while a player of Isak’s calibre can wait.
Hopefully at least one of them arrives before the transfer window closes. But for most fans, it’s merely staggering that we’re even being linked with players like them.