Newcastle United and Arsenal handed transfer boost as £15m release clause emerges

Newcastle United are being linked with a move for a Turkish wonderkid this summer.

The Magpies are on the lookout for new talent as they look to make the step up to the Champions League, and they may need to do some smart business. Amid Financial Fair Play restrictions, Eddie Howe and his recruitment staff are going to have to move smart in the summer window if they want to improve in a number of areas without overspending.

The club’s investments over recent years mean a balance must be struck, with FFP operating over a five-year period.

But there is good news on that front, with reported target Arda Güler reportedly available on the relative cheap. The Turkish 18-year-old has caught the eye of a number of clubs having scored six and assisted seven for Fenerbahce in the season just gone, despite his youth.

Arsenal and Nerwcastle are said to be interested, and both clubs have been given a major boost, with a reduced release clause emerging. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has tweeted: “Understand Turkish gem Arda Güler will be now available for just €17.5m (£14.96m) fee net after taxes/solidarity…yes, just €17.5m for one of the biggest talents in Europe as release clause will be activated after playing 1500 minutes. Many top clubs, trying to convince the player.”

Fenerbahce will be powerless to stop the attacking midfielder from leaving if his release clause is met, or at least beyond offering a new contract that is unlikely to be accepted. It will then be up to the player to choose his next club, and Newcastle may well be making their case, likely able to offer Güler a quicker route to first-team football, and without sacrificing Champions League football. Arsenal have much more competition in their midfield, but it’s likely clubs abroad will also be in the race this summer.