Newcastle United will reportedly look to sign 23-year-old French striker Matthis Abline from relegation-threatened Ligue 1 club FC Nantes in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Football Insider, FC Nantes centre-forward Matthis Abline is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a striker in the coming months, as Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have failed to make their mark in the 2025/26 season.
Interestingly, the Frenchman was a target for Newcastle United last summer, but a deal did not materialise. Nevertheless, they have continued to monitor Abline’s progress closely, and with Nantes at risk of suffering relegation from Ligue 1, a bargain deal may be on the cards in a few weeks.
Who is Matthis Abline?
Matthis Abline has established himself as one of the most promising young strikers in Ligue 1 since joining FC Nantes from Stade Rennais in July 2024. Born in Angers, the 23-year-old spent his formative years in France, passing through the academies at FC Laurentais Landemontais and US Jeanne d’Arc Carquefou before graduating from the youth division at Stade Rennais.
The French striker has been a rare bright spot for Nantes this season, even though he will not be happy with his output. Abline has scored seven goals and provided six assists in 27 outings in all competitions thus far. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress at the relegation-threatened Ligue 1 club has stimulated the interest of several well-known clubs, including Newcastle United.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Newcastle United’s interest in Matthis Abline may be surprising at first glance, but it makes sense. The Tyneside outfit signed Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa in late moves last summer to fill the void that Alexander Isak created with his acrimonious departure.
However, Woltemade and Wissa have failed to make their mark in their debut campaigns for Newcastle United, only showing some flashes of brilliance while being inconsistent for the most part. Additionally, recent reports have claimed that a summer exit may be on the cards for the former.
Several candidates, including Luis Suarez, have thus emerged on Newcastle United’s wishlist, with Abline also a viable target. The 23-year-old Frenchman’s age profile makes him an appealing long-term option for the Tyneside outfit. However, the Magpies should also set their sights on a striker who can hit the ground running and fill Isak’s void at St. James’ Park.
