Newcastle United ‘battling’ Arsenal for transfer as ‘scouts sent’

Newcastle United are already being linked with summer transfers despite still having plenty of work to do in the Premier League.

Eddie Howe’s men are now preparing for the final stretch, and they are hoping to qualify for Europe between now and the end of the season. As things stand, Newcastle are actually on track to qualify for the Champions League, two points behind Tottenham in fourth with two games in hand, but there is likely to be an intense scramble for a top four spot, with Liverpool also likely to turn up the pressure.

Wherever Newcastle finish this season, they are very likely to strengthen again this summer as they look to continue pushing their project forward. And ahead of the summer, the Magpies have been linked with a move for French youngster Ismael Doukoure.

Doukoure is a France under-20s international, and it’s claimed a number of Premier League scouts have travelled to Marbella to watch him in action during this international period. According to 90min, Newcastle, as well as Arsenal are both showing interest on behalf of the Premier League, while there is also interest from abroad.

It’s claimed Paris Saint-Germain and Spanish club Sevilla are eyeing a possible deal, despite the fact Doukoure has only been with current club Strasbourg since last year, joining from valenciennes for a fee worth just over £1m. Since then, the 19-year-old defender has racked up eight senior appearances.

Doukoure is also able to play defensive midfield, though he is carving out a reputation as one of the most promising young French centre-backs. Fortunately for Strasbourg, and not so fortunately for Newcastle and the other reported interested clubs, the youngster is currently tied down to a contract until 2026, putting the Ligue 1 club in a strong negotiating position ahead of this summer.