Premier League side Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on 22-year-old Nice centre-forward Amine Gouiri.
According to iNews, Newcastle United are tracking Nice centre-forward Amine Gouiri, who has been dubbed as the ‘new Karim Benzema’. The 22-year-old striker has been in fine form this season for the French side and is one of the most sought-after talents in Ligue 1.
The Magpies are preparing for a major summer overhaul under their new owners as they try to return to the upper echelons of the Premier League after struggling in the lower half of the league for over a decade. Signing a striker is high on their priority list, and the interest in Gouiri thus makes sense.
However, the French striker is not on top of their target list with Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, who is also being courted by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin getting linked heavily. Newcastle reportedly sent scouts to watch Gouiri in action in Ligue 1 last month.
The centre-forward has a keen eye for goal and is technically strong as well. The 22-year-old is attracting interest from Real Madrid and Arsenal as well. The report claims that Gouiri is rated at around £30 million by the Ligue 1 side after a stellar season.
A Lyon youth product, the French striker moved to Nice in 2020 in a £6.30 million move. He has since gone on to make 83 appearances for them across competitions, scoring 28 times and assisting 17 goals. Gouiri has been among the goals this season as well, with 12 strikes across competitions, on top of nine assists.
The 22-year-old can also play on the left-wing, which only adds to his value. It remains to be seen how the Magpies’ approach turns out as we approach the summer transfer window. It will also be interesting to see if Newcastle United are ready to offer £30 million for Gouiri.
Newcastle were also linked with Stade Reims’ 19-year-old striker Hugo Ekitike in January and the iNews report claims that they could rekindle their interest in the youngster this summer. But Gouiri could be a handy addition, especially for £30 million.
