Newcastle United have identified a highly-rated attacker as a possible signing before the January transfer window closes.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has made it clear to sporting director Paul Mitchell which positions he wants to improve in the transfer window – a striker, right-sided attacker and a shot-stopper.
As it stands, he will not have seen any of those positions improved when the window shuts. Mitchell is yet to sign a single player for Newcastle’s first-team – they could be at risk of missing out on European football if they do not make improvements.
Newcastle were offered Donyell Malen by Borussia Dortmund. It would have given Howe a versatile player who could play on the right wing or as a backup to Alexander Isak. Newcastle rejected the offer and Malen signed for Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
The Magpies also retain a long-term interest in Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha. Newcastle were offered Cunha while he was at Atletico Madrid but a move never materialised. He signed for Wolves in 2023 and looked like he would sign a new deal to keep him at the club long-term.
Talks over Cunha’s new deal stalled, allowing Newcastle to rejoin the race for the Brazilian. With multiple clubs interested in signing him, a recent report has revealed where his preferred destination is.
Matheus Cunha chooses his preferred next club
Cunha has been a shining light in a lacklustre Wolves team this season, scoring 10 goals and bagging four assists in 21 Premier League games.
The reason Cunha’s contract talks with Wolves stalled was because the Brazilian wanted a release clause included in the new deal. Wolves were reluctant to give in to his demands and now the clause remains a stumbling block.
It was reported that Newcastle are “in the picture” for Cunha alongside Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.
However, GiveMeSport has revealed that Cunha’s preferred destination would be Arsenal. The report suggests that Wolves are adamant they will not cash in on their star player ahead of the transfer deadline due to worries that they could be relegated if they lose him.
Despite that, he is eager to sign for Mikel Arteta’s side and play in the Champions League.
What it means for Arsenal’s Alexander Isak interest
Newcastle have done well to keep a hold of Isak given his fantastic form since signing in 2022.
As well as Cunha, Arsenal want Isak to improve their front line. Newcastle are not willing to let their man go, however. Mitchell has slapped a £150m price tag on the 25-year-old to deter Arsenal from bidding.
The same GiveMeSport report suggests that despite being told not to make a move, Arsenal are still a big admirer of the Swede.
A January approach looks unlikely, but it could be a deal that the Gunners revisit in the summer if the funds are available.
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