According to the latest reports from Football.London as cited by Brighton and Hove Independent, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Newcastle United’s attacker Ayoze Perez. The Spaniard had an impressive campaign for the Magpies as he partnered up well with Salomon Rondon to guide Newcastle United to a safe 13th place finish in the Premier League.
Why is Perez important for Newcastle United?
After a poor start to the season, Perez played a huge role in Benitez’s system, and it is no surprise that certain big clubs are now eyeing a move for him. The 25-year-old scored 13 goals and provided four assists in all competitions, and his efficiency in the final third made a massive difference for the Toon.
United often played a conservative brand of football, and it was imperative for the Magpies to bury their chances when they got them. Perez and Rondon did just that as they combined well up front. The Spaniard often started on the right flank, but he usually drifted inside in the central areas to support his strike partner.
Perez has impressive pace and dribbling skills, which allows him to get out of tight spaces. Moreover, his link-up play in the final third is worth mentioning, and there is no doubt that Benitez would want to keep hold of him. The former Spain u-21 international still has two years left on his contract, but a move to either Tottenham or Arsenal could be tempting for the Spaniard.
Can United keep hold of him?
This is not the first time that Perez’s name has been linked with a move away from the club as certain La Liga clubs and Italian heavyweights Napoli are also interested in him. Tottenham can offer him a chance to play in the Champions League, and we feel that the Magpies are going to find it hard to keep hold of him.
After a season like that, Newcastle United will probably need to offer him a new improved deal to keep him at the club. However, those things are likely to have taken a back seat right now as the club is close to going through an ownership change. The Toon also needs to sort out Rafael Benitez’s future as well as his contract is set to expire in the next few days.
Maybe with new owners coming in and the club showing ambition in the transfer market might tempt Perez to stay at St. James’ Park. However, we feel that with Champions League clubs interested in his signature, the Tyneside outfit is likely to find it hard to keep hold of him beyond this summer.
