Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Newcastle can flex muscles in £43million deal to beat PSG to exciting attacker this summer

Rayan Cherki, Timothy Weah, Lyon v Lille, March 2023

Rayan Cherki battles Timothy Weah during Lyon vs Lille

Newcastle could reportedly be ‘more generous’ than Paris Saint-Germain in the pursuit of Rayan Cherki, paying the £43million asking price to secure his services.

The Magpies are expected to continue to add to their squad this season. They’ve done so very aptly over the past few transfer windows, and it’s paid dividends.

Indeed, Eddie Howe was given in the region of £250million to spend since he took charge of the club.

The players he’s brought in have helped the major turnaround at St James’ Park. The club has gone from a relegation candidate when he took over, to a Champions League at the end of the following season.

Given Newcastle will be playing in Europe’s elite competition next term, more recruitment seems wise to ensure they’ll be competitive.

If the players they’ve brought in of late are anything to go by, they should see some quality options head through the door.

They’ve been linked with some quality players already – James Maddison and Joao Felix are two of the big names that they could end up snaring.

That they’ve shown themselves to be a quality side this season means top players joining is a genuine possibility.

Newcastle can flex muscles in Cherki battle

They’re now being linked with another exciting star in Lyon’s Cherki. But Football Club! reports both the Magpies and PSG are in the mix for the attacking-midfielder, who is also competent on either wing.

Lyon are seemingly hopeful for a battle between the two clubs for his signature.

Indeed, the report states they ‘hope to rely on PSG – Newcastle competition to raise prices’. The price they’re seemingly hopeful to raise is €50million (£43million approx).

However, the report also states Financial FairPlay could hinder PSG’s approach, as they ‘will not necessarily break the bank on sums equal to or greater than’ the £43million.

That’s where the Magpies could flex their muscles. Indeed, the report suggests they ‘could be more generous’ in reference to their ownership and desire to ‘create their own star’.

It would certainly be a big statement for the side to beat cash-rich, Champions League regulars PSG to the snare. They may also have to contend with Manchester United, who are apparently ready to pounce on contract uncertainty.

Cherki a fitting addition

Four goals and six assists in Ligue 1 this season are not statistics that jump off the page. However, that Cherki is only 19 years of age and is already contributing in the French top flight shows promise.

What’s more, he is very well suited to playing attacking football, and provides a lot of chances.

As such, were Newcastle to sign him, they’d be adding a player with a high ceiling, that’s already an impactful attacking asset, that will only grow by playing with good players around him.

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