Newcastle United set to hijack Arsenal target with Paul Mitchell move for £33.1m star imminent

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Paul Mitchell is working hard to sign a right winger for Newcastle United in January.

The Magpies have looked weak in that position for years, but a silver lining in recent weeks has been Jacob Murphy’s fine run of form in Newcastle’s first-team.

Despite that, Miguel Almiron aside there’s a lack of depth in that position.

Newcastle signed Yankuba Minteh who looked to be the long-term option for that position, he still would if it weren’t for PSR.

Howe reluctantly agreed to sell Minteh to Brighton to avoid a points deduction.

Now, Almiron is preparing for a move away from Newcastle in January which leaves just Murphy as the only natural right sided attacker.

If need be, Newcastle can look to Anthony Gordon or Harvey Barnes to fill in those positions – Howe will most likely be reluctant to do that given how well the pair have played on the left hand side.

Now, a recent report suggests Newcastle could swoop in for a PSG star with a smaller than expected price tag.

Newcastle to approach PSG’s Lee Kang-in

PSG winger Lee Kang-in is struggling for consistent game time for PSG this season. The South Korean has made 16 appearances in Ligue 1, scoring six goals. However, many of them have come off the bench.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Newcastle are ready to make an approach for Lee, who PSG head coach Luis Enrique reportedly still sees as an important member of the team.

Newcastle are one of many Premier League sides keen on signing the 23-year-old, The Athletic have suggested that Arsenal, the Magpies Carabao Cup semi-final opponents, are considering a move for the winger – Newcastle are aiming to hijack a deal between the two clubs.

The report states Lee would cost clubs around €40million (£33.1m) to sign him in January. Toon sporting director Paul Mitchell will reportedly make a move to sign Lee in the ‘next few days’.

The 23-year-old has featured in every Champions League game for PSG this season, failing to score in any of them.

Lee Kang-in compared to Newcastle wingers

There’s no doubt that signing Lee would immediately improve Newcastle’s starting XI. His price tag makes him a steal for Newcastle who are still struggling with PSR.

Statistically, Lee has scored more goals in less appearances this season but his two assists are fewer than Gordon and Murphy.

Like Howe’s Newcastle, PSG play with a 4-3-3 formation. So Lee shouldn’t have an issue getting up to speed with Newcastle’s style of play.

Lee was part of the PSG side that drew 1-1 with Newcastle in November 2023, playing in midfield on the night.