Newcastle United are in the market for at least one new centre-forward this summer after being caught short several times this season.
Eddie Howe went into a long season with just two injury-prone strikers at his disposal this season and that decision came back to bite him on several occasions.
While both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak have no problem finding the back of the net when they play, it's that availability that has been an issue, especially in the case of the former.
Strikers are difficult to come by in the transfer market, and even those who are available command a hefty fee, but Newcastle are going to have to delve into that part of the market if they want to improve next season.
One striker Newcastle have been keeping an eye on is Everton and England forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has proven time and again that he has what it takes to be a top Premier League striker.
However, like Callum Wilson, injuries have been the biggest thing holding him back and while he made 32 Premier League appearances for Everton this season, it was very rare that he played a full game.
He still managed to nab seven goals and two assists in his limited game time however, and that has kept the likes of Newcastle and Arsenal interested in the 27-year-old.
After being hit with two points deductions this season for breaching Financial Fair Play, Everton aren't in the strongest negotiating position and will likely have to sell some stars this summer, however, Football Insider say this won't stop them demanding £60million for their main striker.
If it wasn't for his injury record, £60million for an England international with a decent scoring record in the Premier League heading into his prime years, would seem like a bargain, but Arsenal have already pulled out of a deal once because of his injuries.
Newcastle can't afford to be buying more injury-prone forwards. While Isak had a great injury record before joining Newcastle, his availability has certainly taken a hit since while Callum Wilson missed entirely far too many games this season. Another striker is imperative, but it needs to be one that will be available when the other two aren't, and unfortunately, we aren't convinced Calvert-Lewin will be.
PL | GD | PTS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Liverpool
|
12 | 16 | 31 |
2 |
Manchester City
|
12 | 5 | 23 |
3 |
Chelsea
|
12 | 9 | 22 |
4 |
Arsenal
|
12 | 9 | 22 |
5 |
Brighton
|
12 | 5 | 22 |
6 |
Tottenham Hotspur
|
12 | 14 | 19 |
7 |
Nottingham Forest
|
12 | 2 | 19 |
8 |
Aston Villa
|
12 | 0 | 19 |
9 |
Fulham
|
12 | 0 | 18 |
10 |
Newcastle United
|
12 | 0 | 18 |
11 |
Brentford
|
12 | 0 | 17 |
12 |
Manchester United
|
12 | 0 | 16 |
13 |
Bournemouth
|
12 | -1 | 15 |
14 |
West Ham United
|
12 | -4 | 15 |
15 |
Everton
|
12 | -7 | 11 |
16 |
Leicester
|
12 | -8 | 10 |
17 |
Wolves
|
12 | -8 | 9 |
18 |
Ipswich
|
12 | -10 | 9 |
19 |
Crystal Palace
|
12 | -7 | 8 |
20 |
Southampton
|
12 | -15 | 4 |