Newcastle ‘make approach’ for £55m-rated Barcelona star, ‘top target’ for the summer is named

Newcastle United were snubbed of an important win in their Premier League top four pursuit at the weekend after failing to keep out Arsenal at St James’ Park. The Gunners earned a 2-0 win over Eddie Howe’s European challengers, but the odds are still with them if they can get back into a winning streak.

The Magpies have enjoyed a superb season so far and will be hoping to ice it off by confirming their Champions League qualification. Not only will this mark a major milestone for the team, but their stature on the transfer market will also be greatly improved.

Howe and his side are already linked to a number of players and the boss is planning a major overhaul in order to free up space and funds this summer. Here are the latest transfer stories linked to Newcastle United as we enter the final weeks of the season.

Magpies have ‘made an approach’ for £55 million forward

Raphinha has been heavily linked to a move away from Barcelona this summer and Newcastle are said to be right up there as an interested party. According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, via Sport Witness, the Magpies have been monitoring the Brazilian’s situation and have now ‘made an approach.’

Raphinha signed for Barca last summer from Leeds United for £55 million. He has a lot of attention on him right now, with Arsenal and Chelsea also said to be interested.

Newcastle are reportedly willing to pay more than the €12 million (£10.4m) the winger currently earns in wages per year at Camp Nou.

Newcastle make £20 million-rated right-back their ‘top target’

Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda has reportedly emerged as Newcastle’s ‘top target’ this summer. That’s according to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, who says that Howe’s prepared squad overhaul will make room for some new names once the transfer window opens. Fresneda would serve as back-up and potential competition to Kieran Trippier.

The defender, who is still just 18 years of age, has commanded a lot of attention since breaking into the Valladolid first team. Dortmund are also said to be keen on signing the Spaniard, and are willing to offer £20 million for his services. Howe and his side will need to act fast if they want to intercept a move and claim Fresneda for themselves.

Club record contract agreement to be announced

The Magpies are expected to finalise new terms for Bruno Guimarães in the coming weeks, which will see him become the best-paid player in the club’s history. Football Insider report that a blockbuster deal is in the works and the Brazilian is expected to put pen to paper at the end of the season.

Newcastle signed Guimarães from Lyon back in January 2022 for a handsome £40 million and his current contract is already one of the highest-paid on the roster. According to Spotrac, the midfielder earns £120,000 a week — only record signing Alexander Isak earns the same amount.