Newcastle United and West Ham United are reportedly set to go head to head in the race to sign Nantes attacker Ludovic Blas.
According to a report from Football Transfers, Newcastle United are set to rekindle their interest in Ludovic Blas. The Magpies were keen on securing the services of the Nantes forward in the January transfer window, but they failed to come up with a bid. They have set their sights on Blas once again, with a summer move potentially on the cards.
Newcastle are set to face stiff competition from West Ham United in the race to sign Blas. The report suggests this is the forward’s last season at Nantes, with his current contract at the Ligue 1 club expiring at the end of next season. Les Canaris are thus likely to cash in on their attacking asset, valuing the player at somewhere around €20 million.
A product of the Guingamp youth academy, Blas rose into prominence ever since his move to Nantes in 2019. In two and a half years, the attacker has made almost 100 competitive appearances, scoring 30 goals and chipping in with eight assists.
Ten of his goal involvements have come in the current season, with his contributions in front of goal being crucial in Nantes’ efforts to finish in the top half of the Ligue 1 table.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Blas has made a solid impression with his aggression and direct style of play. He is versatile enough to play out wide as well, making him a handy player to have for any manager in Europe. It appears his success has not gone unnoticed, with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe keen on his services in the summer.
After splashing over €100 million in January, the Magpies are set for yet another busy window ahead. They are expected to lure in more attacking talents in the club’s quest to challenge the top dogs in English football. Newcastle United have targeted Belgian whizkid Charles de Ketelaere in the summer, but Ludovic Blas could be a useful and far more realistic alternative.
The same can be said for West Ham, who are expected to bring in attacking reinforcements amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Jarrod Bowen. The former Hull City starlet has been linked with a move to Liverpool, and his potential exit could leave a major void in the club’s attacking unit.
Blas, to that end, could be an excellent replacement given his success in Ligue 1 in recent years. At just €20 million, the French attacker may even prove to be a bargain if he manages to replicate his form in the Premier League.
