Even the most glass-half full members of the Villarreal fanbase probably wouldn’t have imagined, with a month gone in the transfer window, that speculation surrounding Arnaut Danjuma would be slowing down rather than accelerating.
Few players have made the step up from the Championship to the Champions League look quite so effortless. From Blackburn to Bayern Munich, Danjuma was the driving force behind Villarreal’s coupon-busting run to the semi-finals. In fact, four of his 16 goals in all competitions came against Atalanta, Juventus and the Bundesliga giants.
But with the new La Liga campaign now five weeks away, the smart money is on Danjuma donning yellow for August’s opening day trip to Real Valladolid.
Liverpool opted instead for a more traditional number nine in Darwin Nunez. Tottenham Hotspur bought Richarlison from Everton. West Ham United, meanwhile, have failed to agree personal terms with the former Bournemouth talisman after showing a willingness to meet Villarreal’s £35 million asking price.
“It is very unlikely that Danjuma will go to West Ham,” says the Dutchman’s agent, Michael Moses.
“(The transfer has stalled because of) issues related to personal terms, which have not gone well. (He is) completely calm. If he leaves, fine. And if he doesn’t leave, that’s fine too.
“Danjuma is focused on La Liga and the World Cup in Qatar.”
Are Newcastle United now most likely to sign Arnaut Danjuma?
So, if we assume that Tottenham, Liverpool and West Ham are all out of contention, that potentially leaves just one horse left in the race – even if the finishing line is hardly in sight.
The Chronicle reported that Newcastle United were the ‘frontrunners’ for Danjuma’s signature back in May. It was Eddie Howe, of course, who brought the former Club Brugge starlet to England in the first place, stumping up £14 million during his time in charge of Bournemouth.
“Knowing the player he is, he’s got a lot of key attributes which we will need,” Howe said at the time. “We are really lucky to have him. He is a top-quality player.”
A goalscoring wideman remains right at the top of Newcastle’s summer wishlist. And while Danjuma does not appear to be the number one choice, he’s certainly more affordable and attainable than Howe’s other targets. Bayer Leverkusen are refusing to budge on Moussa Diaby’s £50 million valuation. Everton would be loathe to lose Anthony Gordon to a Premier League rival. And Raphinha only has eyes for Barcelona.
It feels like Danjuma now finds himself in danger of being left on the shelf. But Newcastle still have a couple of items left on their shopping list.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
