Not just Bruno Guimaraes - Arsenal linked with shock raid for £43m Newcastle United star
Arsenal and Manchester United are surprisingly linked with Newcastle United winger Bazoumana Toure.
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a shock deal for Newcastle United winger Bazoumana Toure.
That is despite the Ivorian - yet to start a Premier League game - only joining the Magpies in July. Toure arrived from Hoffenheim for £42million after registering 17 Bundesliga goal contributions last season.
The 20-year-old has made an encouraging start at Newcastle - scoring twice in five appearances across all competitions. Toon fans are debating whether Toure should be played on the right flank against Aston Villa this weekend.
Arsenal want Bazoumana Toure
According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are keeping a close eye on his progress, with Liverpool and Manchester United also tracking the winger. Newcastle fended off rival interest to sign Toure in the summer.
Arsenal are said to view Toure as a potential option - which will come as a surprise to the Magpies. The Gunners have already rocked the Newcastle boat after signing Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle United stance
It should be noted that any attempt to prise the winger away from St James’ Park would prove difficult. Toure signed a long-term contract until 2031 - putting Newcastle in a strong negotiating position.
There has also been no indication that his deal contains a release clause. As mentioned, the youngster is still finding his feet on Tyneside so the speculation is surprising.
A hefty £42million fee - largely driven by potential - would need to be recouped. For now, reported interest from Arsenal appears to signal long-term admiration rather than an imminent approach.
Newcastle will hope Toure's early performances are the beginning of a successful spell on Tyneside. Matthias Jaissle has openly told reporters that the Ivorian is a work in progress as he adjusts to English football.
Matthias Jaissle on Bazoumana Toure
“Bazou, it's really clear, he's a young lad, came as a new signing and he's doing a great job,” he told reporters last month. "You see the steps now in training, he's really committed. It's sometimes in football that if you have other players performing as well on a really high level, like Harvey at the moment, then you're getting a little bit less playing time.
“But we said that from the beginning, especially for the young lads and the new signings that we give them time.
“It's the same with AB (Aladji Bamba) for instance. We're not pushing, especially not externally, pushing them in getting more minutes. It's normal progress and we're supporting them to get there."