Newcastle United want to make new signings this summer but they’ll need to cough up a big sum to land one top midfield target.
Eddie Howe is desperate to add to his squad after seeing his side decimated by injuries last season and then missing out on European football.
For Howe, a new midfielder is top of the agenda. There is interest in Bruno Guimaraes from Arsenal and Man City, while Sandro Tonali is still banned.
The Newcastle boss, then, is hoping his board can go out and land a player of sufficient quality to come into the first XI.
However, according to reports from Italy, it’s going to take more than £40m to sign one top target.
Newcastle need to pay £42m to sign Ederson from Atalanta
According to a report from Calciomercato, Atalanta are going to dig their heels in over the summer when it comes to losing their key players.
It’s claimed they want at least £42m for Ederson, while they’re looking for north of £50m for his midfield compatriot, Teun Koopmeiners.
Of course, that is a hefty sum for Newcastle to pay out given they are on the line when it comes to PSR and FFP.
Naturally, if Bruno Guimaraes leaves, then there will be funds to spend and suddenly the deal becomes more doable for the Toon.
However, Eddie Howe is no doubt keen on pairing Guimaraes with Ederson, rather than having him in as a replacement.
Tottenham are also keen on Ederson, who starred in helping Atalanta win the Europa League.
Big fees needed if Newcastle are to really challenge
Newcastle have spent money since the PIF takeover but they are being far more restrained than we have seen in the past from other clubs.
However, the crux of the issue comes in the fact that eventually, Newcastle will need to make these big signings if they’re to get near the top sides.
We see the likes of City, Arsenal and even Liverpool going out and spending big on top players and that’s what Newcastle will need to do going forward.
So far, they’ve spent well on the likes of Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and more. But to progress, they need more and Ederson at £42m might be worth it, given the ‘sensational‘ season he’s just had.