Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly closely following Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri as they consider a summer move for the Moroccan international.
According to Fichajes, Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri is continuing to attract interest from the Premier League despite enduring an injury-riddled campaign. Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly among the clubs keeping tabs on the 24-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window.
After stints with Malaga and CD Leganes, En-Nesyri signed for Sevilla in January 2020. The Moroccan centre-forward had a fairly decent start to life at the Andalusian outfit, but it was during the 2020/21 campaign when he enjoyed a stunning breakthrough. He plundered 24 goals in 52 games across all competitions, including eight in six matches in the UEFA Champions League.
En-Nesyri’s exploits garnered him much attention during the summer transfer window last year, but he ended up staying put at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. However, the striker has endured a difficult campaign in Spain due to a muscular injury that saw him miss a run of games towards the end of 2021.
En-Nesyri has featured just 12 times in La Liga this season, scoring three goals and registering two assists. Despite his injury problems and lack of game-time, the Moroccan was linked with several clubs in the January window, with Arsenal among the teams to have shown interest.
It appears that the Gunners will continue to monitor the 24-year-old heading into the summer as well, as they look to revamp their strikeforce before next season. Arsenal lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January, while Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah could leave in the summer when their contracts expire.
It would leave Mikel Arteta with no natural striker, leading the north London outfit to scour the market for options. A move for Victor Osimhen of Napoli has been mooted, while the likes of Alexander Isak, Darwin Nunez and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have also been linked. Recent reports also indicate that Arsenal are scouting Manchester United target Hugo Ekitike.
At the same time, they have not forgotten about En-Nesyri and continue to watch his situation at Sevilla. However, Arsenal are not alone in the race for the former Leganes striker as Newcastle United are also monitoring him.
The Magpies are expected to spend heavily in the summer transfer window as they look set to avoid the drop back to the EFL Championship. A new centre-forward will be on the agenda for Newcastle, considering their over-reliance on the injury-prone Callum Wilson, and given January signing Chris Wood’s slow start to life at St James’ Park.
The Tynesiders have shown an interest in En-Nesyri, while they are also keeping tabs on another of Arsenal’s targets, Lille’s Jonathan David. Sevilla could be open to cashing in on En-Nesyri, but will demand a sum of at least €30 million for his services, which should not be a problem for both Arsenal and Newcastle.
