Report: Newcastle Pushing to Sign £25m Serie A Forward to Replace Fan Favourite Player | OneFootball

Newcastle Transfers: Strategic Moves Aimed for Top Six Finish

Newcastle United’s active transfer season continues as the club strategically eyes key additions to fortify their squad for a hopeful top-six finish in the Premier League. Here’s a detailed look at their targeted moves and potential impact.

Newcastle Eyes Nico Gonzalez Amidst Almiron’s Potential Departure

Newcastle United, under Eddie Howe’s guidance, is preparing for a significant reshuffle, primarily driven by the potential exit of Miguel Almiron, linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. The Magpies are reportedly setting their sights on Fiorentina’s standout winger, Nico Gonzalez, according to TeamTalk. At 26, Gonzalez has carved a niche in Serie A, delivering a commendable performance with 16 goals and five assists last season. His robust showings at the Copa America for Argentina further underline his prowess on the international stage.

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A £25.5 million bid might be on the table for Gonzalez, following a failed attempt by Brentford last summer when they had a £34 million offer rejected. Newcastle’s allure, with aspirations of climbing the Premier League table, presents a more compelling proposition for talents like Gonzalez.

Guehi’s Openness to Newcastle Move

In addition to their offensive targets, Newcastle is looking to strengthen their defence, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi emerging as a prime target. Sources have revealed to TeamTalk that Guehi is receptive to discussions with Newcastle, indicating a potential shift from Palace where he has been pivotal. The expected demand from Palace exceeds £65 million, setting the stage for significant negotiations.

Keeping an Eye on Other Talents

Further stirring the transfer pot, Newcastle has shown interest in Chelsea’s Noni Madueke. With Chelsea poised to part with the 22-year-old winger for around £40 million, Newcastle could find themselves evaluating options between him and Gonzalez. This scenario highlights the club’s intent to enhance their attacking options robustly.

Strategic Overview

As Newcastle remains focused on incoming transfers without the immediate pressure to offload their current stars, the club is methodically building a squad capable of achieving their ambitions. This careful balancing act of retaining key players while introducing impactful new talents could define their upcoming season.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Nico González’s Impressive Season

Overview of Nico González’s Performance

The detailed performance data for Nico González, as depicted in the latest visualisation by Fbref, showcases his significant impact in Serie A over the past year. As Newcastle United eyes a move for the Argentine winger, this data underscores why he’s so highly coveted.

Attacking and Possession Strengths

González’s chart highlights exceptional proficiency in several attacking metrics. His non-penalty expected goals (npXG) stand at a commendable 93rd percentile, indicating his ability to create scoring opportunities from open play. Additionally, his actual non-penalty goals are in the 97th percentile among attacking midfielders and wingers, demonstrating not just potential, but actual performance in finishing chances.

The winger also excels in assists and expected assists (xA), with scores in the 62nd and 74th percentiles respectively. This suggests that González is not only a finisher but also a creator, capable of setting up his teammates effectively. His adeptness at progressive passes and carries, positioned at the 71st and 68th percentiles, respectively, further illustrates his capability to drive the ball forward and break lines, vital for disrupting organised defences.

Defensive Contributions Highlight Versatility

Not merely an offensive threat, González also contributes defensively, a trait that will appeal to Premier League sides looking for well-rounded wingers. His percentile in blocks and tackles plus interceptions is particularly notable, sitting at 93rd and 57th respectively. Such statistics reflect his willingness to engage in defensive duties, an attribute that enhances his value to a team setup that values tactical flexibility and high pressing.

Conclusion

Nico González’s performance stats for the last season position him as a top-tier winger in Serie A, capable of making a substantial impact both offensively and defensively. His ability to score, create, and contribute to defensive actions makes him a prime target for clubs like Newcastle United, aiming to bolster their squad strength in pursuit of higher league finishes. The data provided by Fbref is a testament to González’s versatile capabilities on the pitch, making him one of the standout players in his role.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Newcastle United supporter, the prospect of Gonzalez joining the Magpies is thrilling. His track record in Serie A and Copa America speaks volumes about his ability to elevate a team. With Almiron likely on his way out, Gonzalez could not only fill that gap but potentially offer even more in terms of both goals and assists.

The interest in Guehi also signals a robust approach to shoring up the defence, which is critical. His Premier League experience and youth make him a valuable long-term asset. While the price tag seems steep, it’s a testament to his abilities and the inflated market.

Eddie Howe’s targeted approach in this transfer window showcases a clear strategy aimed at building a squad capable of competing at the highest levels. As a fan, it’s exhilarating to see the club linked with such talents, reinforcing the ambition circulating around St. James’ Park. This could very well be the beginning of a new, exciting chapter for the Toon.