The Newcastle United fans in the Transfer Tavern are eager for their club to make a huge statement of intent in the transfer market this summer by finally breaking their transfer record with a marque acquisition, but there is reason to suggest they don’t have to spend a single penny to sign a talent of genuine quality.
The transfer record at Newcastle is a topic of conversation which regularly dominates the pub talk amongst the Magpies faithful propping up our bar, and they are hoping that Mike Ashley will finally break tradition by forking out for a quality talent this summer.
Rafa Benitez is widely believed to be in the market for a new centre-forward, but if Newcastle want to emulate their top-ten finish next season they will need to strengthen all over the park.
Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame formed a formidable partnership at the heart of Newcastle’s midfield in the second half of the most recent season, and their collective chemistry played an instrumental role in their survival bid, however, Benitez has limited options beyond the aforementioned pairing.
Mikel Merino remains a Newcastle player but he is widely expected to depart this summer in search of first-team football, whilst Isaac Hayden is simply not good enough for the Premier League.
With that in mind, Benitez should be looking for a central-midfielder of true quality to bolster his relatively sparse options, and one player who should certainly be on his radar is Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere (valued at £18 million by transfermarkt).
Wilshere’s contract situation with the Gunners has been a topic of mystery in recent months, and with just two weeks remaining on his current deal it seems certain that he will depart North London in search of a new challenge this summer. If that does indeed prove to be the case, Newcastle would be foolish not to offer him a contract.
The 26-year-old would inject guile, creativity and class into a midfield which has previously lacked a cutting edge and, providing he stayed fit, his presence would ensure Newcastle of a top-ten finish.
Wilshere has been no stranger to controversy in recent years due to his supposed antics away from the field and his recent social media post following his World Cup omission did nothing to change his reputation, however, with time running out to prove himself in his career Wilshere will be eager to make a statement of intent when the new campaign gets underway, and Newcastle could be the perfect destination for him to finally prove his doubters wrong.
Newcastle fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
