Newcastle could reportedly be open to the sale of Allan Saint-Maximin in the next fortnight with the Frenchman yet to recover his starting spot after injury – and Arsenal should consider a move after missing out on Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Saint-Maximin, 26, is a fan favourite on Tyneside. This season, he started well – having a hand in three goals in his side’s first four League games. But injury hampered his progress, and he managed 12 minutes across the next nine games.
Fit again, he has only been a sub. Indeed, coming off the bench in six of Newcastle’s last seven games. Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff have been superb in midfield in front of Bruno Guimaraes. It means Joelinton has moved to the left.
However, on Sunday, Guimaraes came off injured and Saint-Maximin replaced him – Joelinton moving into midfield. That could well be the change made, with Guimaraes injured. But Keith Downie says Newcastle may sell Saint-Maximin.
Arsenal should consider Saint-Maximin after missing out on Mudryk
It has been well-documented that Mudryk was a player Arsenal wanted to sign. The Ukraine wonderkid was often seen liking posts regarding a move to Arsenal, even wearing an Arsenal shirt. Chelsea paid the asking price. A deal is done.
It leaves Arsenal with little depth out wide. Emile Smith-Rowe is back from injury and Reiss Nelson is an option – as cover for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. But the drop off in quality is stark. Arsenal need better depth out wide.
Costing Newcastle £20m in 2019, that value is likely to have increased after 32 goal involvements in 109 Toon games. While he is struggling to start this season, he could easily cost in the region of double his initial outlay on Tyneside.
Saint-Maximin would surely be tempted by a move to The Emirates and Newcastle are open to his sale. He is the kind of player that can come off the bench and give an instant impact – just what Arsenal need. Ideal alternative to Mudryk.
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