Newcastle United are reportedly set to rival Chelsea in the race to sign Villarreal’s €40 million-rated versatile forward Arnaut Danjuma.
Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in signing Villarreal attacker Arnaut Danjuma. That’s according to a report from Italian outlet Calcio Mercato Web, which claims the Magpies could go head-to-head with fellow Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to capture the 25-year-old Dutch international.
Formerly of NEC Nijmegen in the Dutch Eredivise, Danjuma has taken no time to establish himself as a pivotal figure for Villarreal since his move from Bournemouth in August 2021. He enjoyed a superb 2021/22 season on an individual level.
The versatile Dutch forward netted 16 goals and four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, hitting a remarkable six goals in 11 UCL outings as the Yellow Submarine exceeded all expectations by reaching the Champions League semi-finals last season.
With 3 goals from 8 appearances across all boards this season, he looks set to play a prominent role for the Spanish side this season as well. Of course, his exploits have not gone unnoticed, with some of the most high-profile clubs in Europe, including West Ham, Liverpool, and Manchester United, setting their sights on him this past summer.
Villarreal finished seventh in La Liga last season, and only earned qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League. So, while he could have easily accepted a transfer abroad, he turned down all advances since he sought stability and consistent game time with the Qatar World Cup just around the corner.
His current deal with La Ceramica will expire in the summer of 2026. The 25-year-old is currently the subject of a transfer war, with both AC Milan and Chelsea vying for his signature in 2023. Villarreal will look to recoup around €40 million from the sale of their prized asset.
Newcastle United are the latest side to enter the race for the Dutch international. The Magpies are well-stocked in the striker department and wide areas, especially after the summer acquisition of Alexander Isak who is versatile enough to play across the frontline.
However, with Chris Wood expected to leave the club in the near future, they could do well by adding another attacker into the mix to boost their European push. Danjuma fits the bill perfectly and looks to have all the characteristics of an Eddie Howe signing – young, athletic, powerful, creative, speedy, and with an eye for a goal. The 25-year-old is also tactically versatile and is a very direct dribbler like Saint-Maximin.
Is it any surprise that Howe was the one who brought the Dutchman to Bournemouth in the first place?. One issue, though, maybe the Villarreal attacker’s patchy injury record, having missed a chunk of last season through muscular and hamstring problems.
Furthermore, the Magpies will have to fend off competition from Chelsea for his signature. The Blues could look to freshen up their attacking roster in 2023, especially in the striker department with Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang not getting any younger at 33 years old, while Kai Havertz has largely underwhelmed in the false-9 role.
Danjuma seems to be the latest name on Chelsea’s agenda, having reached a pre-contract agreement with Christopher Nkunku. They have also been strongly linked with a blockbuster move for Rafael Leao, but Danjuma could prove to be a cheaper alternative.
