Newcastle still need to sign players in three key positions if they want to compete in the Premier League in 2017/18.
Transfer business at Newcastle United has been frustratingly slow for both manager Rafa Benitez and the fans, with the Guardian reporting last month that the Spaniard wanted eight to 12 new players this summer.
In fact, at the time there was speculation Benitez could leave St James’ Park after not seeing eye-to-eye with owner Mike Ashley, although since then things have picked up and there have now been five new additions at the club.
Rafael Benitez, the manager of Newcastle United.
That said, there are still gaps to be plugged if the Magpies want to seriously compete in the Premier League in 2017/18 and here are the three areas they need to target as a priority.
Striker
Goals can often be the hardest commodity to come by for newly promoted clubs and none of current crop Dwight Gayle, Aleksandar Mitrovic or Ayoze Perez suggest they have the required talent to take up the mantle.
That is why Newcastle are being heavily linked with £13.4m Arsenal striker Lucas Perez by the Evening Standard, while the Express previously claimed Burnley’s Andre Gray was also on the radar.
Left-back
The Chronicle reports that Benitez has told both Massadio Haidara and Achraf Lazaar they can leave, with Paul Dummett emerging as first choice on the left side of defence last season.
However, there are doubts over whether Dummett can cut it at the top and either way competition is needed for the 25-year-old, with the Gunners’ Kieran Gibbs remaining a key target – according to the Sun.
Kieran Gibbs of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match against Manchester United.
Goalkeeper
Arguably central midfield also remains an issue despite the recent loan signing of Mikel Merino from Borussia Dortmund, but Benitez is keen to sign a new ‘keeper with Karl Darlow and Rob Elliott the current choices.
Tim Krul has also been told he can leave, while Freddie Woodman is expected to leave on loan, and at the moment Napoli’s Pepe Reina remains first choice and West Ham United’s Adrian is also on the wishlist – according to the Chronicle.
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