Newcastle United are looking to beef up their youth ranks this summer, and one of their targets from Arsenal has now decided to become a free agent.
The Magpies are hoping to sign a winger this summer, and could end up spending as much as £60million. That is how much Michael Olise will cost, with Newcastle having permission to speak to the 22-year-old about moving to St James’ Park after contacting Crystal Palace.
Olise would be a signing for the present and the future. He is already immensely talented, but is only 22 and has the potential to get so much better.
But Newcastle are also interested in signing players solely for the future, and have had their eye on a 19-year-old from Arsenal.
Newcastle target Cozier-Duberry to become free agent
Amario Cozier-Duberry has been a target for Newcastle in recent months, with a report in May stating that the Magpies were keen to sign the 19-year-old when his Arsenal contract expires.
His deal at the Emirates Stadium comes to an end on June 30th, and the Gunners were hoping he would extend his stay in North London. They stated that talks were ongoing when they announced their retained list, and now a decision has been made.
Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s side, the Evening Standard report that Cozier-Duberry has told Arsenal that he will not be signing a new contract and is going to become a free agent.
They report that he has offers from abroad, with clubs in France, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands keen.
The Evening Standard also state that Cozier-Duberry’s next move will be influenced by the amount of first-team football he can get.
First-team desire could hurt Newcastle bid
That may work against Newcastle, as it is difficult to see how he would get senior minutes in black and white next season.
His preferred position is on the right wing, which is the position where the Magpies are looking to make a marquee signing. Whoever arrives will be a regular in attack alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, meaning there would be limited opportunities for Cozier-Duberry, who would also have to compete with at least one of Jacob Murphy, Miguel Almiron and Yankuba Minteh.
Perhaps if Cozier-Duberry was presented with a clear plan to get him into the team at Newcastle then he could be convinced to move to St James’ Park. However, his eagerness to play senior football as soon as he can might mean it is impossible for the Magpies to sign an ‘unplayable‘ winger who has been likened to Bukayo Saka.
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