Newcastle United are stepping up their efforts to sign a goalkeeper this summer, with two standout candidates on the Magpies’ radar.
It is vital that the club bring someone in this summer, with Loris Karius due to depart when his contract expires. He could also be followed out the door by Martin Dubravka, who is being linked with a move away after a disappointing spell in the Newcastle United starting XI.
That is why Eddie Howe is looking for a new keeper, with Nick Pope set to have more competition for the number one spot at St James’ Park.
One option for Newcastle is Valencia stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is a player that Eddie Howe likes. It has been reported that the Magpies have held talks with the Liga club, as they eye a deal for the Georgia international.
Aaron Ramsdale tipped to join Newcastle instead of Giorgi Mamardashvili
However, he is not the only goalkeeper that Newcastle United have been linked with. Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale is another target, and HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that he still believes the England international will be the one to arrive on Tyneside.
“We know Chelsea are in for Giorgi Mamardashvili, and so are Newcastle,” he said.
“Personally, I think It’s good for Newcastle and their talks with Arsenal over Aaron Ramsdale, which are ongoing. It shows they have other options, and Arsenal are being made aware of this now.
“If Arsenal think Newcastle is Ramsdale’s only option, they are going to demand certain things. But if they are aware that Newcastle do have other options, which they do, it is better for the Newcastle side.
“I don’t see them paying £35million for a goalkeeper. I do see them signing a goalkeeper, and I think Ramsdale is Eddie Howe’s choice. I still fully expect it to be Ramsdale.”
How much Aaron Ramsdale could cost Newcastle
Bailey believes that Newcastle will go for Ramsdale over Mamardashvili, but a deal for the Arsenal understudy will not be straightforward.
It has been reported that the Magpies are willing to pay £15million for the 26-year-old, who has been described as ‘perfect‘ for Eddie Howe’s side.
However, that feels remarkably cheap for a player of his calibre, and Bailey thinks Newcastle might have to dig a bit deeper into their pockets to do a deal.
“My hunch would be £25million for Ramsdale,” he said.
“His value is not going up any time soon, but he is an England international and will consider himself to be one of the top 10 goalkeepers in the Premier League.
“I don’t think £15million will be enough. Somewhere around £25million might be more realistic, but that is just a hunch, not based on anything. Newcastle are not going to overpay for him.”
Competition for Nick Pope
No matter which goalkeeper arrives, it looks like Pope will have a fight on his hands to remain first choice at Newcastle United.
That seems harsh given how good he has been since his arrival from Burnley two years ago, but injuries have been a concern for the 32-year-old.
And Bailey believes that Ramsdale will be an upgrade on Pope if the Gunners backup does join the club this summer.
“He’s an upgrade on Nick Pope,” he said.
“He’s not a massive upgrade, but I think you’re going from a 7/10 goalkeeper to an 8/10 goalkeeper, which is still an upgrade. Pope is picking up injuries, whereas you could get another 10 years out of Ramsdale.
“I think it would be a very sensible signing, he ticks a lot of boxes.”
The post 'Very sensible': Journalist predicts Newcastle are going to sign 'perfect' player for £25m this summer appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.