Jorgen Strand Larsen latest to Newcastle move – £23m deal agreed, decision ‘expected’

The final days of the summer transfer window are always a whirlwind of activity, and for Newcastle United, the pursuit of a new striker has become the defining story of their deadline week.

While the club has already secured the signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart in a deal worth up to £69 million, the work is far from over.

Manager Eddie Howe and the recruitment team are determined to bring in a second forward before the window closes, and their attention has now turned to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jørgen Strand Larsen.

This interest is not new. Newcastle have already seen two bids for the Norwegian international rejected this week, with the latest offer believed to be around £55 million.

Wolves have been firm in their stance, publicly insisting that they have no desire to sell one of their key players so late in the window. However, behind the scenes, developments suggest that the situation may be more fluid than it appears.

The key to unlocking this deal could be Wolves’ own move for a replacement. According to reliable sources, the Midlands club are closing in on the signing of Tolu Arokodare from Genk.

The 24-year-old Nigerian striker is expected to undergo a medical on Saturday, with the transfer fee set at around €27 million (£23.3 million).

This move is significant because it indicates that Wolves are preparing for the possibility of life without Strand Larsen. While they may still be publicly stating that he is not for sale, the arrival of Arokodare would provide them with the cover needed to sanction a departure.

This context makes Newcastle’s decision to leave Strand Larsen out of the matchday squad for their game against Everton particularly interesting.

Wolves manager Vítor Pereira explained the absence by citing a “small injury problem,” but in the world of football, such explanations are often layered with meaning.

Pereira did acknowledge the transfer speculation, praising the player’s professionalism but also admitting that ambition is a natural part of any player’s career.

For Newcastle, the equation is simple. They need another striker. The departure of Callum Wilson and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak have left the squad dangerously thin in attack.

While Woltemade is an exciting addition, the club recognizes that relying on one new signing would be a risk, especially with the demands of European football added to the Premier League schedule.

The potential signing of Strand Larsen makes sense for several reasons. He has already proven he can score goals in the English top flight, netting 14 times for Wolves last season.

He is physical, good in the air, and capable of linking play—attributes that would suit Eddie Howe’s system perfectly. Moreover, at 25 years old, he represents a long-term investment rather than a short-term fix.

With the deadline fast approaching, the next 48 hours will be crucial. If Wolves complete the signing of Arokodare, it could give Newcastle the encouragement they need to submit a third, improved bid for Strand Larsen.

The player himself is believed to be open to the move, and the chance to join a project as ambitious as Newcastle’s is a compelling one.

For the fans, it’s a nervous wait, but also an exciting one. The potential arrival of not one, but two new strikers would signal a clear statement of intent from the club’s ownership.

It would show that they are willing to invest heavily to ensure the team can compete on all fronts this season. The pieces are falling into place; now it’s about whether Newcastle can get this deal over the line.