Newcastle set to lock horns with Chelsea and AC Milan over highly-rated winger from Europe

Newcastle are set to rival some of Europe’s biggest clubs in pursuit of Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma in the upcoming transfer window.

Eddie Howe’s side are looking to add more flair to their squad and Danjuma has reportedly popped up on their radar. The Newcastle manager has a history with Danjuma as he originally signed the winger for Bournemouth.

Danjuma spent one season working with Howe and made 14 Premier League appearances.

His best campaign in England came during his second season with Bournemouth in the Championship. The 25-year-old was one of the league’s best players and he helped secure a spot in the playoffs.

The Dutch winger finished the season with 17 goals and seven assists and was soon snapped up by Villarreal.

Since joining the Spanish side, his reputation around Europe has grown exponentially.

He had a vital role to play in Villarreal’s European campaign as they made it all the way to the Champions League semi-finals.

Danjuma finished the term with 16 goals and four assists across all competitions.

Plenty of clubs are interested 

A report from Italian outlet CMW has claimed that Newcastle, AC Milan and Chelsea are all interested in Danjuma.

The report explains that Milan are keen to refresh their forward line in the upcoming window. As Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud aren’t getting any younger, they are keen to add another dynamic forward.

Danjuma is likely to be an in-demand player as he can play in several positions. He is fairly versatile as he can operate as a winger or through the middle.

The Dutch forward has scored three goals in his first seven appearances this season.

Villarreal currently sit seventh in La Liga and will be keen to keep hold of one of their prized assets.

Danjuma’s contract with Villarreal runs until the summer of 2026 and so they are in no rush to sell.

Newcastle and Chelsea certainly aren’t short of cash though and could tempt the winger away.

Newcastle move makes sense

Given how Newcastle have gone about their recent recruitment, Danjuma would be a natural fit in their squad.

Howe is keen to add more creativity to the side and Danjuma would offer just that.

Allan Saint-Maximin currently occupies the left-hand side for Newcastle, but he is currently out injured.

Given the Frenchman’s injury record, Howe would like to add more depth to the position. Since signing for Newcastle, Saint-Maximin has missed 40 matches through injury.

Danjuma himself has a history of injuries, but not to the same extent of Saint-Maximin.

The Dutch winger missed 16 matches last season because of muscular problems and he fractured his foot during his debut season with Bournemouth.

Whoever ends up landing Danjuma, he is not likely to come cheap. Given his current contract and age, Villarreal are likely to want a premium for the winger.

The Spanish side signed him for a fee of around €25million and they will surely want a significant return on their original investment.

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