Recent reports suggest that Newcastle United may be looking to add a goalkeeper this summer.
Since Nick Pope has missed a significant portion of the season due to injury, Newcastle’s issue has been in goal.
Eddie Howe is clearly looking for another goalkeeper this summer, possibly to take the position of the England international, as it has become rather apparent in recent weeks.
This week, they were connected to a teenage goalkeeper who showed promise, but it appears that a more seasoned player is now the preferred choice.
Newcastle eye Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale
Asked about the possibility of Newcastle signing Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, Athletic journalist Chris Waugh replied: “Ramsdale is liked by Newcastle. Howe had him at Bournemouth and admires Ramsdale’s mentality, as well as his style of goalkeeping.
“Should Ramsdale leave Arsenal as expected, then Newcastle will look at the 25-year-old, but the problem will be cost. Not only when it comes to Ramsdale’s fee, but his wages, which, if they remain unaltered, would not fit into Newcastle’s structure.
“Given Nick Pope is the established No 1, it would be a bold move to bring in Ramsdale to compete with him when they have transfer needs elsewhere.”
Aaron Ramsdale links slashed
Waugh appeared to pour cold water over the Ramsdale links, as it seems The Magpies will have to focus on other targets with lower wage demands.
As he alluded to, the goalkeeper area isn’t a priority position for Howe, who must use his budget on defenders and perhaps a striker to share the load with Alexander Isak.
The club must stay in line with Financial Fair Play regulations so the ex-Bournemouth boss won’t have a blank chequebook, he’ll have to spend wisely.
Callum Wilson has been mooted with a departure from Tyneside this year as he enters the final year of his contract.
TalkSPORT ran a report in January claiming that Chelsea and West Ham were monitoring him, so perhaps they’ll reignite their interest ahead of the fast-approaching summer transfer window.
Elsewhere, midfield depth is needed, particularly if Newcastle are to realise their European aspirations, so it looks set to be a busy window for club chiefs and one that may not focus on a goalkeeper.
