According to L’Equipe, Newcastle can now sign Ludovic Blas for just €20m (£17m), with West Ham also keen on bringing him to the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Newcastle held talks with Nantes over a deal for the 24-year-old, before West Ham joined the race for his signature.
In fact, Allan Saint-Maximin even admitted to Goal that he wants Blas to join him at St James’ Park.
The Frenchman said: “I would most certainly want my friends to join the club. I am thinking for example of Ludovic Blas. I really like the person and what he also does in Nantes. He scored a lot of goals.”
Now, it seems the winger’s wish may be granted.
L’Equipe believes Nantes are looking to sell their major assets such as Blas and Alban Lafont this summer, as they look to raise funds.
Both players are available for £17m each, with the latter also potentially of interest to Newcastle – the Magpies tried, and failed, to sign the goalkeeper in 2021.
In 41 appearances last season, Blas scored 15 goals in all competitions, while also providing five assists.
Newcastle or West Ham could get a bargain
In our view, Blas represents one of the best market opportunities out there this summer.
At the age of just 24, the versatile attacker has many years left at top-flight level, while his end product for Nantes in terms of goal involvements is certainly worth £17m, to say the least.
That price is a snip for Premier League sides nowadays, especially Newcastle, who are now among the richest clubs on the planet following the Saudi Arabian takeover.
Blas has even been described as being better than Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane by Nantes maestro Pedro Chirivella, who used to play with the duo at Liverpool.
Therefore, for just £17m, whoever signs Blas could be getting the deal of the summer.
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