After Newcastle United produced the latest in a long line of toothless attacking displays in their drab 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, Adam Armstrong’s latest precision finish must have felt like a cruel joke at their expense.
In all competitions, a striker unceremoniously dumped by Rafa Benitez at St James’ Park has now scored 20 goals this season.
And his latest strike, a consolation in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Barnsley, was the sort of ruthless, remorseless finish his idol – a certain Alan Shearer – would have been proud to call his own.
As the Barnsley goalkeeper raced off his line to intercept a long ball over the top, Armstrong nipped in and lofted a sublime chip into the net. It is hard to imagine anyone in Steve Bruce’s squad – except perhaps the crocked Callum Wilson – finishing off a half-chance with such ice-cool efficiency.
The Chronicle reports that, given the opportunity, Armstrong would jump at the chance to re-join his boyhood club in the summer transfer window. Whether Newcastle can afford him – in an era where the best second-tier talents tend to command fees in excess of £20 million – remains to be seen.
Either way, paying a huge sum to bring back a player they sold for just £1.75 million three years ago would not exactly be a good look.
According to the Sun, Armstrong also has admirers at both Everton and West Ham. Hammers boss David Moyes held talks with Blackburn counterpart Tony Mowbray regarding a potential switch to the London Stadium a few weeks ago (LancsLive).
Now, Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma have made impressive contributions to a Champions League-chasing West Ham squad after stepping up from the second tier.
After Armstrong broke the 20-goal barrier in style against Barnsley, it is not a stretch to imagine one of England’s most in-form strikers doing the same.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
