In a recent report, Calciomercato has stated that Newcastle United are locked in a three-way battle for Spezia Calcio forward M’Bala Nzola. It is understood that the Magpies could face competition from West Ham United and Napoli in pursuit of the French striker (via Calciomercato).
Nzola’s Recent Rise To Prominence In Italian Football
The Troyes-born marksman has enjoyed a magnificent season in Italy after producing a run of prolific displays as the focal point of Vincenzo Italiano’s attack. He has featured in 12 matches for the Italian outfit this term, banging in eight goals and picking up one assist in all competitions.
Nzola has been a joy to watch as Spezia’s primary centre-forward as he is averaging 2.3 shots, 1.4 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game in the Serie A this season. He has even been accurate with his ball-distribution in the final third based on his pass success rate of 83.9% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
The 24-year-old is about to enter the prime years of his playing career, so Newcastle boss Steve Bruce can expect to get the best out of him if he can find a way to lure him to St. James’ Park this month or at the end of this season.
What Will The French Frontman Bring To Tyneside?
Nzola boasts electric pace and can complete some dangerous dribbles with the ball in the attacking third. He has a good football IQ and is proficient at finding a yard of space for himself to get a few shots in on-target. Standing at 1.85m, the Frenchman can be a real handful for any defender due to his incredible strength and leaping ability to win the ball in the air.
Nzola has shown great maturity to find the back of the net regularly in the Serie A this season. He is also versatile enough to play anywhere across the frontline as he is primarily a centre-forward but can also fill in as a winger on either flank if required.
Currently, the Magpies lack depth in their attacking department after both Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle failed to impress behind Callum Wilson, who remains Newcastle’s best weapon inside the opponent’s penalty area, this season.
A striker of Nzola’s quality will undeniably offer some healthy competition for the centre-forward position at Tyneside. He could potentially form a dangerous attacking partnership with Callum Wilson if Bruce decides to play with two strikers up top. At 24, Nzola will be a signing for the long-run, so the Magpies will do well to fend off competition from other clubs and acquire his services in the future.
