OPINION
Newcastle United may be facing a race against time to stump up the required funds to sign Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet after it was reported that Premier League rivals Arsenal have opened talks with the Belgium international’s agent.
Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato claimed in October that Newcastle are interested in signing Praet, 24, but would have to wait until this summer before they were able to sign him, thanks to a release clause in his contract that will only become active at this present time.
Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca di Marzio has now reported on his personal website that Arsenal have had “concrete discussions” with the midfielder’s agent, while also stating that his release clause is worth £21.8million.
Juventus, Inter, Roma and Napoli are also said to be interested in Praet, but it seems that it’s just a matter of time before Newcastle miss out on their target.
Magpies owner Mike Ashley simply has to hand Rafa Benitez the funds to go out and sign the ex-Anderlecht star.
It will cost a club record fee but to keep Benitez happy, Ashley has to put his hands deep into his pocket and allow him to strengthen the first team with a player of real quality.