Newcastle’s survival chances will soar if the club pull off deal for Victor Osimhen

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Newcastle United are working away to try and get several new faces in before the transfer deadline on Monday night.

So far, just two players have joined the club this month.

Kieran Trippier completed his move over three weeks ago now. And Chris Wood followed a week after him.

Since the capture of the New Zealand international though, Newcastle have really stuttered in the transfer market.

The club have had real difficulty signing new players. Clubs are obviously well aware of the Toon’s new financial might.

But there is potential for the coming days to be fruitful – and one player who could make the world of difference to Newcastle is Victor Osimhen.

The Nigeria striker has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park. Arsenal also said to be keen (Gazzetta dello Sport).

Osimhen has been with his current club Napoli since 2020, joining from Lille in a deal worth about £66 million. That made him the most expensive African player of all-time.

The Serie A club forked out as much as they did because Osimhen was ripping it up in France.

He left Lille with a record of 18 goals and six assists in 38 games.

Osimhen had impressed people with his searing pace, and ability to provide an ice-cool finish in the final third. He was particularly good at chipping the goalkeeper during his time in France.

Napoli signed him and so far, he probably hasn’t quite lived up to the hype of his big-money move.

A big reason for that though is because he has had some injury problems. A shoulder issue limited him to 24 appearances in Serie A in his first season. He still managed to score 12 goals across all competitions, despite having been on the sidelines for several weeks.

This term, he has again had time on the sidelines. In November he suffered a cheekbone fracture, causing him to miss a handful of games over Christmas and New Year. But when he has played he has been quite clinical. He is already up to nine goals for this season.

Newcastle have obviously signed Wood, but it’s thought Eddie Howe wants another centre-forward in. And Osimhen would be some alternative. And potentially also some partner.

Victor Osimhen could flourish in the Premier League with Newcastle

It would be a big ask for Newcastle to lure Osimhen away from Napoli. He hasn’t been with them for that long.

But if they can somehow manage it then the club would be getting a fine talent.

What’s clear about Osimhen is that he is someone who is looking to spring the offside trap and then finish past the goalkeeper.

He has blistering pace, something that could be a nice alternative to Wood, who is more of a target man. And potentially, he could be a nice complement to the 31-year-old’s more physical game.

Yes, Newcastle badly need central defenders.

But signing a killer in front of goal like Osimhen could significantly boost the club’s survival.

Newcastle have employed a speedy Nigerian before in the form of Obafemi Martins. He was certainly quick, powerful and loved to shoot. Perhaps St. James’ Park is finally ready to welcome his heir.