With the summer transfer window looming, it is clear that Newcastle United are ready to strengthen their squad. This is a look at which areas are in desperate need of strengthening and who should be on their shopping list.
It has been well documented that Newcastle have struggled for goals all season long. This is best illustrated by the fact that midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is their only player to have scored more than two league goals so far this season.
He comfortably tops the scoring charts with five, which doesn’t even put him in the top 25 scorers in the division. £40million signing Joelinton hasn’t found his form as an out and out striker, with just one league goal to his name all season. The Magpies definitely need a good quality marksman if they are going to push up the league next season.
Firepower up top required
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is out of contract this summer and could be an option. He seems surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge with Frank Lampard preferring Tammy Abraham as a regular starter. In terms of backup he already has Michy Batshuayi and the option of using Christian Pulisic as a striker so it seems likely he will be showing the World Cup winner the exit door this summer.
Giroud is a consistent goal scorer when given a good amount of minutes and brings plenty of experience at the age of 33. The only stumbling block could prove to be wages as Giroud currently earns a reported £110,000 a week, with the top earner at Newcastle, Shelvey, earning around £70,000.
However, given his age, and potential interest in remaining a Premier League player, Giroud may be willing to take a small pay cut. And of course, if Newcastle have a change of ownership any wage demands Giroud may have, might not be problematic at all.
Competition outwide to benefit the Magpies
Newcastle could also improve their squad by adding an additional winger to it. Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser will be a free agent in the summer and is a proven quantity in the Premier League.
In his 120 appearances for the Cherries he has scored 16 goals and provided 26 assists. This kind of attacking threat is just what the Magpies need if they are to finish higher up in the league table. They may face competition for his signature however, as the Scot is being linked with a few other Premier League sides including Arsenal.
At 26-years old, Fraser is just about to reach what should be the peak of his powers so it would be the perfect time to snare his signature.
Experience to improve an already solid defence
At the back, Newcastle have a plethora of centre backs to choose from but are a little short of quality full backs. Nathaniel Clyne could be just the man to change that. He will be a free agent when his Liverpool contract expires in the summer.
His career has stalled somewhat at Anfield since he became Trent Alexander-Arnold’s understudy. He still has enough ability to have a really successful career at a club that will give him regular minutes. St James’ Park could be just the place for him.