Newcastle United’s search for a new midfielder appears to be gathering pace as Bruno Guimaraes is now on his way to London, where he’ll join Arsenal’s Premier League winners.
The Magpies have already been linked with several possible replacements, and a new report from Portugal suggests one of their long-standing target has moved a step closer to becoming a realistic option, even if a deal remains far from straightforward.
According to O Jogo, Newcastle has already contacted Victor Froholdt’s representatives
to explore the conditions of a potential transfer and determine whether the FC Porto midfielder would be interested in moving to the Premier League.
“(Newcastle) is in the market for a midfielder and has Froholdt on his radar, but without contact with the club,” O Jogo wrote. “Bruno Guimarães’ sale to Arsenal forces Newcastle to invest heavily. Agents of the league’s best player were only approached at this stage.
“However, O Jogo understands that the midfielder’s representatives have already been contacted by members of the English club, who wanted to inquire about the conditions for a possible deal and whether the player is interested in moving to the Premier League.”
While O Jogo makes clear that Newcastle has yet to contact Porto directly or submit a formal offer, the outlet also considers the Portuguese club is bracing for potential interest and ultimately an offer.
“FC Porto does not want to lose one of its main assets and will not facilitate any potential negotiation, starting by pointing to the value of the release clause,” the report says.
That clause is set at €85 million, a figure Porto would use as the starting point for any negotiations. O Jogo also reports the Portuguese club is relaxed about the situation because Froholdt has publicly expressed his desire to remain at Porto for at least another season.
Newcastle’s interest is not new, with the Magpies having tracked the Denmark international since his days at Copenhagen, per O Jogo, which adds that Bruno’s move to Arsenal could accelerate the Magpies’ pursuit as they prepare to reinvest the money raised from the Brazilian’s departure.
The Athletic confirmed on Tuesday that Froholdt is among the midfielders Newcastle has “scouted intensively” as the club prepares to replace Bruno.
With Bruno Guimaraes gone to Arsenal, should Newcastle go all-in for Victor Froholdt, or would you prefer the club target a different midfielder? Let us know who tops your wishlist in the comments section below!
