An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in winger Arnaut Danjuma heading into the summer transfer window...
What's the talk?
Transfer insider Pete O'Rourke has revealed that the Magpies will be keen on a deal for the Netherlands international if the opportunity presents itself in the coming months.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s probably gone to Villarreal and surprised a lot of people who thought he struggled at Bournemouth, but he’s really impressed, and he’s now a regular in the Netherlands team as well.
"He does have a buyout clause in his contract, which is £40 million-plus, so that might again be too expensive for Newcastle in this window if their budget is not as big as many people are expecting.
“But I think Eddie Howe knows all about Danjuma, so he’s definitely somebody that he’ll be well aware of, and if he becomes available, I’m sure Newcastle would definitely be interested.”
He's Kylian Mbappe 2.0
He may not require the power to change managers and sell teammates of his choosing but Danjuma could be Newcastle's own version of Mbappe.
FBRef names the French superstar as a similar player to the Villarreal gem based on their per 90 data over the last 365 days. Whilst the Dutchman does not score or assist at the phenomenal rate that the PSG man does, they do both have a similar style in that they can both play out wide on the left or through the middle and like to cut in on their right foot from a wide position to do their damage.
In Ligue 1 this season, Mbappe managed 28 goals and 17 assists in 34 starts as he created a whopping 23 'big chances' for his teammates.
It would be some ask for Danjuma to replicate those numbers but he did enjoy a successful 2021/22 campaign in Spain...
The Athletic's Peter Rutzler called him a "wildcard" and he was also dubbed an "exceptional talent" during his time with Bournemouth by Clinton Morrison. He has clearly carried his ability over to La Liga as he has shown that he can score goals at an impressive rate.
Danjuma has proven that he can be a reliable goalscorer whilst playing off the left or through the middle, much like Mbappe, and this is why he would be an excellent signing for Newcastle.
PIF must work their budget to adjust for a £40m deal for the dynamo as he can be Howe's own version of the PSG forward. At the age of 25, he also has plenty of years left to develop and grow as a player and fans may end up asking who 'Arnaut Danjuma 2.0' will be in four or five years...