Newcastle set for transfer battle with Arsenal for ‘exceptional’ £67m Serie A striker

Newcastle United’s search to improve their forward options has reportedly taken them to one of Serie A’s most highly-rated strikers.

Italian outlet CalcioMercato have reported that Napoli’s Victor Osimhen would become the highest paid player in United’s history, if he decides to swap Serie A for St James Park.

The report suggests the Magpies will offer a weekly salary of around £150,000 a week to see off interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal, who are believed to have the upper hand in the battle for his signature after securing a place in European competition next season.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a succesful spell with Napoli since he completed a £67million move to Serie A in September 2020.

After scoring in Saturday’s 6-1 demolition of Sassuolo, Osimhen has scored 27 goals in 59 appearances in all competitions and has captured the attention of a number of clubs around Europe.

With speculation continuing over Osimhen’s future, Serie A reporter Mario Sconcerti has compared the Nigerian favourably to Roma’s England striker Tammy Abraham.

He told TuttoMercato: “Osimhen is instinctive. He has exceptional instincts that dictate his movements.

“I think he is stronger than Abraham.

“Abraham is a mile above normal but I see something exceptional in Osimhen.”

Magpies to offer major wage boost to Milan forward

Osimhen is not the only Serie A frontman on the Magpies radar, if reports in Italian outlet La Repubblica are to be believed.

United are now said to be favourites to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao and are willing to ‘quadruple his wages’ in an attempt to persuade him to move to Tyneside.

The Portuguese international is currently earning around €1.5million a year and remains under contract until the summer of 2024.

The 22-year-old is able to play in a number of positions at the top end of the pitch and is believed to be high on Newcastle’s list of priorities this summer.

Belgian star is shock free transfer target for Newcastle

Newcastle have been linked with several midfielders over the last five months - and one new name has been added to that list.

TuttoJuve have reported Belgian international Axel Witsel is set to leave Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer this summer and the Magpies are one of several clubs to have shown an interest in securing his services.

Speaking to German outlet WAZ, the 32-year-old midfielder said: “We concede too many goals, this season and also last season, we have to improve that for next season.

“I say ‘we’, but I won’t be there at all. I’ll be gone next season.

“I am very happy that I have played here for four years at the highest level. But I am sad to leave the club. I have many friends and great teammates here.”