Newcastle now in pole position to sign £76m striker who has already turned down Chelsea – journalist

Newcastle United’s summer transfer window has been defined by near misses and frustration, as Eddie Howe continues his search for top-tier attacking reinforcements.

With multiple targets slipping through the club’s grasp and heading to Premier League rivals, the pressure has mounted.

Hugo Ekitike, once viewed as a key option to bolster the frontline, opted to join Liverpool instead. Similarly, Joao Pedro, another name high on Newcastle’s radar, ended up securing a switch to Chelsea.

These disappointments have forced Howe and his recruitment team to reassess their options and stay aggressive in the market.

Despite the setbacks, Newcastle have managed to bring in Anthony Elanga, formerly of Nottingham Forest, in a move that offers promise and pace to their wide attacking options.

However, the need for a high-caliber centre-forward remains, and now, a new opportunity may be presenting itself in the form of a marquee signing.

According to journalist Duncan Castles, speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Newcastle have surged to the front of the queue to land Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain.

The French striker, who recently returned to PSG after a season-long loan at Juventus, now looks poised for a fresh challenge—and Newcastle could be his next destination.

Kolo Muani joined PSG for a staggering £76 million in 2023, a testament to the high regard in which he’s held across Europe.

Though he didn’t cement a starting role in Paris, his performances on loan at Juventus reignited interest in his services.

Newcastle’s pursuit has reportedly intensified, pushing them ahead of Manchester United and other suitors. Castles noted that while United have expressed interest, their discussions have not progressed as far as Newcastle’s, making the Magpies the most likely destination at this point in the window.

The potential arrival of Kolo Muani raises intriguing tactical questions for Eddie Howe. With Alexander Isak already occupying the central striker role and delivering goals consistently, bringing in another frontman of Kolo Muani’s stature suggests a possible shift in strategy.

Kolo Muani is not the kind of player who joins to sit on the bench. His goal-scoring record speaks for itself. At Eintracht Frankfurt, he scored 26 goals in 50 appearances, registering an impressive 0.52 goals per game.

During his time with Juventus, he netted 10 times in 22 matches—once again proving his consistency and threat in front of goal.

Even during a less successful stint at PSG, he still managed to contribute with 11 goals in 54 appearances despite limited minutes.

Given those numbers, it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which he accepts a backup role. Reports suggest that Kolo Muani previously rejected a move to Chelsea because he preferred to join Juventus, where he was expected to start.

That decision hints at the kind of assurances he will be looking for in any future club, and it puts Newcastle in a delicate position.

Unless Howe is planning a major tactical shift or formation adjustment, the signing could imply changes on the horizon regarding Isak’s future.

It’s not the first time Isak has attracted interest from other clubs. With Saudi side Al Hilal reportedly eyeing a move, and Newcastle’s ownership overlapping with theirs through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), speculation is rife about internal negotiations that could shift the squad’s structure.

While no definitive move appears imminent, the arrival of a striker like Kolo Muani would naturally fuel those rumours.

Still, as of mid-July, Isak remains a Newcastle player, and no formal bids have been accepted. The Swedish international is expected to be part of the squad going into the new campaign unless a major development occurs.

Howe has generally preferred to deploy a single striker, and adapting to accommodate both Isak and Kolo Muani would require more than just a tactical tweak—it would signal a new era in Newcastle’s attacking approach.

For now, Newcastle’s front-running status in the pursuit of Kolo Muani reflects their ambition and resilience in a challenging market.

After a series of failed pursuits, this could be the breakthrough they’ve been searching for. If the deal materializes, it would mark a significant coup, potentially redefining the Magpies’ attacking identity and offering their supporters something to truly get excited about as the new season approaches.