Arsenal and Newcastle United ‘Monitoring’ £50m Forward – Report | OneFootball

Premier League Trio Circle Sporting Star Geny Catamo Amid Summer Transfer Buzz

Geny Catamo is emerging as one of the most watched names in Europe’s summer transfer rumour mill. The 24-year-old Sporting Lisbon star has caught the eye of Premier League sides including Arsenal, Newcastle United and Aston Villa, as revealed in a report from CaughtOffside. With other clubs such as Everton, Fulham and Wolves also mentioned, there is clearly growing admiration for the Mozambique international.

According to sources close to the agents’ industry, Catamo is being “closely monitored” by several top-flight clubs, and while interest remains “at an early stage,” it appears inevitable that offers could soon follow. Outside of England, Atletico Madrid, Nice, Udinese and Genoa have also taken notice, underlining his appeal across Europe.

Despite his rising stock, Sporting Lisbon are reportedly reluctant to sell. Catamo is tied to a hefty €60 million release clause, a figure the Portuguese club hope will fend off any premature departures. Nonetheless, one source noted that clubs are “planning to make an opening offer of €25–30 million,” potentially to test Sporting’s resolve.

Photo: IMAGO

Versatility Fuels Market Value

Catamo’s appeal stems not only from his technical attributes but also his tactical flexibility. While primarily deployed as a right wing-back, the 24-year-old has also shown comfort on the left and even in central midfield. This adaptability makes him an asset to any coach seeking tactical balance and depth across defensive and midfield zones.

In the 2024/25 season, Catamo contributed nine goals and two assists in all competitions for club and country, statistics that highlight his end product and attacking threat. While he may not yet be a marquee name, his development trajectory suggests significant untapped potential.

CaughtOffside’s report rightly points out, “It’s easy to imagine Catamo being a useful squad player for someone like Arsenal, even if they don’t urgently need new signings in that area of their squad.” That may be a fair observation, but for clubs like Newcastle, where the long-term replacement of Kieran Trippier looms large, the move could be as much about future-proofing as immediate impact.

Will the Release Clause Deter Bids?

At €60 million, Catamo is no bargain. But as with most Sporting Lisbon players, the clause is as much a negotiation tactic as it is a deterrent. Clubs are aware that few Portuguese sides can resist solid offers, especially in the €30–40 million range. That’s where most suitors may begin the conversation, even if the final deal settles above that figure.

Importantly, no official approaches have been made yet. But as transfer windows go, early scouting and leaked interest usually precede fast-moving negotiations once the window officially opens.

Why Catamo Fits the Premier League Mould

Beyond his statistics, Catamo’s playing style seems tailor-made for the Premier League. He’s quick, technically sound, and willing to carry the ball forward under pressure. With the league’s increasing demand for explosive wide defenders and hybrid midfielders, his profile is almost ideal.

CaughtOffside further adds that Catamo is a “versatile talent with an eye for goal,” which is often the difference between a rotation option and a key contributor in a squad chasing multiple trophies.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Arsenal fan, this kind of report always ignites cautious curiosity. Catamo’s name might not be as familiar as some of the big targets previously linked with the club, but his profile has ‘Edu signing’ written all over it — youthful, versatile, technically sharp and not yet overhyped.

With Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu offering solid cover at right-back and wing-back roles, it’s fair to say we’re not in desperate need. But Mikel Arteta has consistently shown an eye for players who can adapt into various positions. Catamo fits the bill as someone who could fill in at wing-back or invert into midfield, giving the squad more tactical levers to pull during high-pressure stretches in the season.

The €60m price tag is steep, but if early talks hint at a sub-€40m negotiation, then that changes the narrative. He wouldn’t walk straight into the XI, but Arsenal’s current model thrives on nurturing high-upside players. Think of him as a more dynamic, right-sided version of what Oleksandr Zinchenko offers. And if Newcastle are genuinely interested, that should prompt us to act with a little more urgency. The last thing we want is to see another promising option thrive elsewhere while we scramble during an injury crisis.

In short, this move would be less about necessity and more about strategic planning — and that’s what separates elite clubs from reactionary ones.