Newcastle United are plotting to make a double swoop for Paris Saint-Germain stars Keylor Navas and Mauro Icardi.
The announcement of the Saudi takeover of Newcastle United has dominated the headlines this week. Following the breakthrough, the Premier League outfit is expected to spend big in the market in order to land some high-profile players and it appears they have already joined the pursuit of PSG duo Keylor Navas and Mauro Icardi, reports Fichajes.
Despite the fact that Newcastle have now potentially become the richest club in the world, they have a long way to go before they can attract the best players in the world.
Navas and Icardi do not fall among the best. But they are proven individuals with a pedigree of performing at the highest level of football, with the former, in particular, being one of the main protagonists behind Real Madrid’s sensational haul of three back to back Champions League titles.
Unfortunately, the Costa Rican international’s prospects at PSG have been jeopardised by the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma. The veteran goalie, therefore, will be keen on moving on, making the new and shiny Newcastle United an appealing destination.
Icardi, too, has had his high points during his time at Inter Milan. But the Argentine has never got going at PSG and is now facing the risk of losing his place in the team due to the arrival of his compatriot Lionel Messi.
Icardi has been linked with a move to Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly interested in his services. However, a flashy player like him might just prefer a move to Newcastle as they can not only offer him a higher wage but also give him the responsibility of leading the club forward, into the new era.
Navas, meanwhile, is likely to replace Martin Dubravka and Freddie Woodman as the club’s number one in between the sticks. At the age of 34, the former Real Madrid star is in the final stage of his career, but his leadership and winning mentality could go a long way in helping the club move forward.
In many ways, the potential capture of these two PSG stars could be a step in the right direction, as far as Newcastle United are concerned. However, they are not the only options for the Magpies, who are also in the running to sign Philippe Coutinho, a target for Tottenham and Arsenal.