Adding a forward has been Rafa Benitez’s priority as the Newcastle United manager has been searching for a potential goal poacher. The Magpies have been linked with a number of players like Olivier Giroud and a few more but Benitez’s failure to land a forward has concerned the supporters.
But it seems the gaffer has found out a solution to this problem as he is nearing a deal to wrap up the transfer of Joselu from Stoke City. His arrival would give the gaffer a much-needed relief as it would take the pressure off from Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic to an extent resulting in the players being able to express themselves on the pitch.
Joselu arrived at the BET365 Stadium in 2015 from Hannover and has played 27 games for Mark Hughes’ side till now. He spent the last season on loan at Deportivo La Coruna and had a pretty mixed fortune as he found the net six times for the Spanish side last campaign.
Newcastle are expected to pay as little as £5m for his services. He is going to be the sixth arrival in this summer as Benitez continues his spending spree since they got promoted to the top tier. Predominantly a centre-forward, the player can also be deployed as a secondary striker if needed.
Benitez has gone frustrated over the lack of activity in the transfer market and has been forced to make a move for the striker. He is expected to undergo a medical on the Tyneside and an announcement could be made anytime soon.
The loss against Tottenham Hotspur in the opening game has pointed out the loopholes in the side and if the gaffer doesn’t buck up soon, his team could be in danger in no time.
The striker could make his first appearance in the next match as Newcastle entertain Huddersfield Town as they are hoping to bounce back from their loss against Spurs.
Daryl Murphy made a move to Nottingham Forest which has left Benitez with only two recognised strikers in Gayle and Mitrovic. Mitrovic is yet to prove his mettle at the St James’ Park while Gayle has been battling with injuries.
The price Newcastle are paying the Potters could prove to be a bargain if the German born forward manages to settle in the frontline. Lack of depth in the attacking department got exposed in the last match and Benitez would be hoping to end the malaise soon.
