Approach made: Newcastle and PIF ready to pay big to sign Ligue 1 forward

With Callum Wilson looking likely to leave, Newcastle United have reportedly made their first approach to sign an 18-goal forward and are even willing to pay a big fee to secure his signature this summer.

Callum Wilson could leave Newcastle for free

After spending five years at Newcastle, Wilson could be set to leave the club as a free agent when his current contract comes to an end next month. The experienced striker is yet to put pen to paper and left St James’ Park in tears following what is likely to be his final game for the club against Everton.

Despite his contract situation and his emotions at full-time last weekend though, Eddie Howe remained coy on Wilson’s future. The Newcastle boss told reporters: “Let’s wait and see. We will sit down with his representatives.

“I’m not sure about the thought it’s going to be huge change in the summer. There could be. I’m in a position where I don’t know what’s going to happen. You never know going into any summer with transfer activity, ins or outs you never know the numbers.”

With or without a new contract, however, it must be said that replacing Wilson would be no bad idea for the Magpies. The experienced striker has often struggled on the injury front, forcing Howe to play the likes of Anthony Gordon in the lead role of his frontline when also without Alexander Isak throughout the season.

Given that they’ve got Champions League football to offer now too, Newcastle and PIF could set their sights on some of Europe’s top talents. And whilst names such as Jonathan David have been mentioned, it could yet be another Ligue 1 talent who arrives.

Newcastle make first Kalimuendo approach

According to L’Equipe, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have now made their first approach to sign Arnaud Kalimuendo and are ready to pay a big substantial fee to secure the Stade Rennais forward.

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He would be a statement signing.

The Frenchman has enjoyed an excellent season in France, scoring 18 goals in all competitions whilst also setting up another two throughout the campaign. At 23 years old, the forward still has his best years to come and represents the type of player who would be an ideal backup for Isak.

Praised for how “dangerous” he is around the box by U23 scout Antonio Mango back in March, Kalimuendo would be ready to take the Premier League by storm if Newcastle made their move.

The Magpies already suffered in the past when attempting to balance European football with Premier League action, but the arrival of the depth provided by players like Kalimuendo would go a long way towards avoiding that problem this time around.