OPINION
Any Newcastle United fan would tell you that a proven centre forward must be the club’s priority this summer transfer window, but what good is a striker without service coming his way?
The likes of Dwight Gayle, Joselu and Islam Slimani were some way off the expected standards up front for the Magpies, failing to offer the goals that would have made life so much more comfortable for Rafael Benitez and his men.
While the trio, as well as Aleksandar Mitrovic, were guilty of passing up some gilt-edged opportunities, there was also a lack of quality service coming their way, the likes of Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu struggling to replicate Kenedy and Matt Ritchie’s form.
What Newcastle need this summer is both goals and the creation of chances – and they could kill both birds with one stone.
The Daily Mail have reported that FC Krasnodar playmaker Viktor Claesson is on Benitez’s radar this summer after his impressive performances in Russia, with a potential £8million price tag hoped for if the Swedish international does well at the World Cup.
In the 26-year-old’s homeland, Expressen are suggesting that his exit is incredibly likely, putting an 80 per cent chance on him leaving the Russian side, and he would be perfect for the Magpies.
A versatile attacker able to play anywhere in attack, he scored 12 goals and chipped in with eight assists in 34 appearances, meaning he is contributing directly to his side’s success at a rate bettering once every two games.
With 20 caps under his belt, including wins over Italy, France, and Portugal in the last 12 months, he has proven himself at the highest level, and considering his record for both scoring and setting up his team mates, he should be in high demand.
With that reported £8million price tag, he is well within budget for the Magpies, and a summer swoop would be the perfect addition to the squad.