Newcastle United have approached Southampton to enquire about Carlos Alcaraz, who has a £25 million price tag.
According to a report by 90min, Newcastle United are interested in Carlos Alcaraz. The Argentine star could leave Southampton after making an impression since arriving in January. And the Saints want £25 million to part ways with the young playmaker.
Newcastle United are set to embark on an important summer transfer window as they look to compete on multiple fronts. Their progress got rubberstamped by finishing in the top four and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. They need to strengthen the squad with quality players that add a new dimension and depth.
Eddie Howe could make some necessary changes, as the report suggests the club could sign as many as six new players. Those may include a central and attacking midfielder, full-backs and a central defender. And Newcastle United are increasingly leaning towards players from relegated sides.
Harvey Barnes, James Ward-Prowse, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Arsenal target James Maddison have all seen their names linked with Newcastle United. The latest name to enter their shortlist is that of Carlos Alcaraz, the £25 million-rated Argentine playmaker from Southampton.
While listed as a central midfielder, Alcaraz has featured as an attacking midfielder since joining in January. His four goals and two assists in 18 Premier League appearances could not save Southampton. And the 20-year-old could look for a departure this summer.
Southampton could accept bids in the region of £25 million, which is double what they paid Racing Club to sign him in January. Joining Newcastle United would come as a big jump for the 20-year-old. He could add some quality to the side and depth as the Magpies take on different competitions.
The Tyneside club are also in the market for other names like in-demand Spanish star Gabri Veiga. The Celta Vigo star has plenty of suitors in the running, including Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester City. Hence, Howe wants to keep his options open and have a few alternatives, such as Alcaraz.
Meanwhile, they are also keen on Arda Guler, with all these players in the same age bracket. It shows what Howe requires, as Newcastle United might steadily invest in a young player to develop within their first-team system.
As for Alcaraz, he might want to leave Southampton, particularly if Newcastle come into the picture. He has shown plenty of promise and adapted to the Premier League well. It certainly makes it worth a while to make a significant investment worth around £25 million in the Argentine playmaker.
