Talented young French players used to be the domain of Arsene Wenger, but in recent years Alan Pardew has been making a sustained effort to snap up these players before the Arsenal man can get to them. Whilst Wenger now seems to be more interested in German internationals (Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker), Newcastle keep extending their hands into the transfer window and snapping up the latest Ligue 1 talent.
If the Papers are to be believed, this isn’t set to change any time soon. With the future of Yohan Cabaye still very much up in the air, Alan Pardew must currently be in the process of drawing up a list of potential replacements.
That raises a question that’s tough to answer: who’s good enough to replace somebody who has been so essential to this Newcastle United side over the last few years?
Cabaye’s incisive passing, quick feet and sharp footballing brain have been a real asset to the Magpies. He’s the club’s best player and will be sorely missed should he move on. As such, Alan Pardew needs to make sure that his replacement has genuine quality. Fingers crossed that the board will also grant him the cash to make a big deal happen.
This brings, me to the most recent rumour concerning Newcastle United, which links the club to yet another French starlet. This time the man in question is Remy Cabella, a young midfielder who has been making waves at Montpellier.
As it happens, Cabella shares a number of qualities with Cabaye. Both have bags of technical ability, the wherewithal to deliver a game-winning pass and can take a fierce free-kick. Whilst the Montpellier star has someway to go before he’s at Cabaye’s level, he is only 23-years-old. Over the next two-or-three seasons, Cabella could become a very special talent indeed.
If Newcastle are interested, it looks like he’s available. Check out this quote from Montpellier president, Louis Nicollin: “Remy is at the club and I hope he will remain until June… Of course, there are some offers you cannot refuse.”
Spoken like a man trying to drive up his player’s price-tag. The Mirror suggests that £14m could be enough to make a deal happen. Here’s hoping that Alan Pardew is ready and willing to make yet another move for a Ligue 1 star.
What’s your take? Would this Remy Cabella be a good addition for Newcastle United? Would he be an able replacement for Yohan Cabaye?
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