Newcastle have now made contact with Fiorentina over a deal to sign Arthur Cabral.
What’s the story?
Well, the Magpies find themselves up against Atlético Madrid and Udinese in the race to sign Cabral, as the Brazilian striker struggles to settle in at Fiorentina.
The Italian side spent €16m (£14m) to sign Cabral from Basel after his stunning goalscoring exploits for the Swiss giants.
In 47 appearances, the South American scored 29 goals while also providing ten assists.
However, Cabral has struggled in Florence, scoring just five goals in 21 outings so far this term.
Nevertheless, Eddie Howe and Diego Simeone are still huge admirers of the 24-year-old.
Goal Brasil believe Newcastle have made contact with Fiorentina over a deal to sign their No.9 this month.
Fiorentina do not want to sell their frontman during the middle of the season, and will refer any interested parties to his €40m (£35m) release clause.
Cabral himself is said to have no desire to leave Fiorentina, where he is determined to prove himself before earning a significant move to a European giant – according to Goal Brasil.
Newcastle can do better than Cabral
In our view, it would be madness for Howe to spend £35m on a striker with just five goals so far this season.
Newcastle already have better options than Cabral in Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak.
Additionally, the Magpies have the financial power to find improvements on the Brazilian forward.
For example, the Evening Standard believe an approach has also been made for Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko, who would be an improvement on Cabral.
The Germany international is widely regarded as one of the best prospects around, and could be available for a cut-price fee as his contract expires at the end of the season.
Keep an eye on this situation, as Newcastle could launch an official bid for Cabral after getting in touch with Fiorentina over a deal.
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