Newcastle United have reportedly been asked to fork out €10 million for the services of FC Empoli midfielder Kristjan Asllani.
A recent report from Calciomercato has offered an update on the future of Kristjan Asllani. The FC Empoli midfielder has emerged as a sought-after prospect in the market this summer following his professional breakthrough in the recently concluded 2021/22 campaign.
Empoli are aware of the fact that keeping hold of their prized asset could be next to impossible. The player has been courted heavily by Newcastle United, while Serie A giants AC Milan are involved in the chase as well. With Asllani poised to take the next step in his career, Empoli could be willing to sanction his sale if they receive offers of around €10 million.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Asllani has been a part of Empoli since 2012. After spending almost the entirety of his childhood at the Serie A club, the youngster took the first-team opportunities with aplomb, becoming one of the rising stars in Serie A this past season.
With 23 league appearances, Asllani became a first-team regular for Empoli during the second half of the campaign. Despite standing at just 1.75m, the young Albanian made a solid impression with his work-ethic and aggression which has made him an appealing option for Newcastle United and AC Milan.
The Magpies, for one, are looking for reinforcements in the holding midfield slot as they look to part ways with Isaac Hayden ahead of the new season. Asllani could be a decent enough replacement for the Englishman, giving Newcastle boss Eddie Howe some quality depth in the number six slot.
Having only made his breakthrough in the past season, Asllani does not offer much experience at the highest level of football. But at the age of just 20, the youngster has time on his time, while his aggressive and mobility in the middle of the park could make him a tailor-made fit for the Premier League, meaning he is a viable target for Newcastle.
Newcastle United, though, are also scouting experienced options in the market. They have recently sounded out a move for Portuguese international William Carvalho, who might not be a bad option given his style of play and leadership qualities in midfield.
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However, for a fee of just €10 million, Asllani could be a wise and sensible long-term investment for Newcastle United, especially given Howe’s ability to nurture young talents.
