According to a recent report by Chronicle Live, Newcastle United could get another shot at securing the services of AC Milan left-back Diego Laxalt during the upcoming transfer window. The same source has mentioned that the Magpies are on the lookout for a new left-back this summer and the Uruguay international fits the bill perfectly.
The Tyneside outfit were close to signing Laxalt during the January transfer period, but a move failed to materialise back then due to Milan’s asking price (via Chronicle Live). The Serie A defender decided to move to the San Siro from Genoa last summer but has since failed to nail down a regular starting berth in Gennaro Gattuso’s first-team.
Laxalt’s Recent Struggles In The Serie A
The 26-year-old had featured in a total of 28 matches for AC Milan this term and has one assist to his name across all competitions. More importantly, he has made an average of 1.4 tackles, 0.4 interceptions and 0.6 clearances per match in the Serie A thus far (Stats taken from Whoscored).
His numbers for Milan are not that impressive so the Magpies would be taking a considerable risk if they decide to go back in for the South American sensation. To the player’s credit, Laxalt has earned 16 international caps for Uruguay and has performed much better when representing his nation at the highest level.
What Does The Uruguayan Offer On The Pitch?
Laxalt boasts blistering pace and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet. However, the rest of his game has a lot of room for improvement as he is still quite raw and has a habit of being wasteful in the opposition half.
Newcastle needs to recruit more proven talents if they are to take the next step in Rafael Benitez’s revolution at St. James’ Park. One can argue that either Javier Manquillo or Paul Dummett will provide more defensive protection than Laxalt at the left-back position.
Should Newcastle Sign Laxalt This Summer?
The Magpies are better of opting for a more skilled player rather than the Milan outcast. Newcastle will be making a massive mistake if they do accept the opportunity to bring the Uruguayan international to Tyneside. The Toon Army deserves better than what they have received over the past few years so recruiting the best talents across Europe should be Benitez’s number one priority heading into this off-season.
