Newcastle United are trying to seal a cut-price deal for Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, reports the Mirror. As per The Sun, Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, are monitoring a free transfer for Eddie Nketiah, who will be out of contract in the summer.
The Margpies are eyeing a loan-to-buy move for Aubameyang, who was stripped of his captaincy recently and has failed to make the Gunners’ matchday squad since December 7. Sensing an opportunity to sign a proven Premier League goalscorer on the cheap, the Magpies have approached Arsenal to learn the forward’s transfer status.
Newcastle reportedly hope to sign the Gabonese international on loan for the remainder of the season as they battle relegation to the Championship. The side are second-bottom in the table after 19 games with 11 points. The newly-rich club is also hoping to include a 20 million pounds “buy” option in the deal, enabling them to purchase the 32-year-old outright at the end of the season.
Despite his recent absence, Aubameyang has been a crucial figure for Arsenal since completing a transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2018. The Gabon international has scored 92 goals in 163 appearances across all competitions, winning the Premier League Golden Boot for the 2018/19 season.
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is a target for German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The young Englishman is out of contract at the club in the summer, and attempts to renew his deal have so far hit a stumbling block. Nketiah is expected to leave the club for free in six months and can now enter into a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.
Nketiah has been linked with moves to Premier League sides Brighton and Crystal Palace previously. It is reported that Palace, coached by Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, retain an interest in the England U-21 attacker.
The 22-year-old came through at Chelsea’s infamous academy before leaving them to sign for Arsenal. He made his senior debut for the Gunners during the 2017/18 season and has made 71 appearances since, scoring 18 goals.
