Eddie Howe tipped for January battle as Man Utd, Arsenal interest in Newcastle ace confirmed

Miguel Almiron Newcastle United 2022 TEAMtalk1

Manchester United are among a trio of Premier League clubs to have shown an interest in Miguel Almiron as the Newcastle United star continues to shine.

The 28-year-old is currently in his fourth full season for the Magpies having joined midway through 2018-2019. Much was expected of the Paraguay international after he arrived from MLS side Atlanta United. The South American’s skills were obvious but, frustratingly, there was a lack of an end product.

He failed to find the net during ten Premier League outings as Newcastle ended up 13th after his first five months at the club.

With Steve Bruce replacing Rafa Benitez in July 2019, Almiron continued to be handed plenty of game time.

The former Lanus star started 35 games among 36 top-flight outings in 2019-20. And he was given the nod on 28 occasions the following campaign.

But he still he struggled in front of goal, with only eight top-flight goals across two seasons.

There is a school of thought that Bruce’s negative style of football held back the club’s attacking stars. And it is obvious that the shackles have come off under Eddie Howe.

The Asuncion-born ace has looked a different player in 2022-2023, with his improved form mirroring that of the team’s.

Almiron has netted seven times already and scored some spectacular goals, helping the Tynesiders to fourth.

And, according to his agent, Daniel Campos, there were clubs on his trail before this season’s transformation.

“Miguel Almiron is a footballer who went from less to more, now he is a more complete footballer,” he told ABC Cardinal. “There was interest shown by Manchester United in Miguel Almiron but they never made an offer.

“Arsenal and Southampton offered loan deals for Miguel Almiron but we did not want it to be a loan.”

Arsenal links to Almiron make sense

Newcastle’s financial status means they no longer have to sell players to balance the books.

Years of austerity under Mike Ashley are now firmly in the rear-view mirror. And Howe will be confident of keeping hold of his best players.

Much will depend on the player’s ambitions and whether he sees the Newcastle project bearing fruit in the near future.

Arsenal are now an exciting prospect, with the Gunners topping the table after 12 games.

Manager Mikel Arteta is set to be handed significant funds in the January transfer window as they look to maintain a title push.

It will be tough, with Champions Manchester City breathing down their neck and looking as good as ever.

The Spanish tactician has a number of exciting attacking options at his disposal.

Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have all shone, with 18 top-flight goals between them.

But there is an argument that the north Londoners’ squad would be a bit light if injuries struck.

A player of Almiron’s quality and experience would certainly be a welcome addition. However, luring him to the Emirates will be a tough task.

Reports claim his Newcastle deal contains a £58m release clause. And, with his scintillating form, the north-east outfit are unlikely to let him leave for anything less than that figure.

Almiron will next showcase his skills when Newcastle play Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday.

Arsenal will hope to keep up their winning ways when they go up against London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the same day. And Manchester United go toe to toe with Aston Villa at Villa Park.

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