Miguel Almiron
According to reputed journalist Alan Nixon (h/t Daily Star), Newcastle United are plotting a January swoop for MLS superstar Miguel Almiron, who plies his trade for Atlanta United.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder, who is also being chased by the Magpies’ Premier League rivals Arsenal, has been on the club’s radar for quite some time now.
As per Italian outlet Calciomercato, Newcastle United were keen on signing Almiron this past January. Reports from Chronicle Live claimed that the Tyneside outfit were monitoring the midfielder in the summer as well. And having failed to land him in the summer, Rafael Benitez’s side are planning a more concerted effort to sign the playmaker in the January window. (h/t Daily Star)
However, Arsenal are also in line to sign the talented playmaker (h/t The Metro). The Gunners have enjoyed a good start under Unai Emery and signing a player like Almiron would certainly boost their forces.
It has been a difficult start to the 2018/19 campaign for the Magpies, despite finishing 10th in the Premier League last time out. With 12 games into the season, Newcastle sit 14th in the table with 9 points – just one point above Cardiff City, who occupy the 18th place in the standings.
Benitez’s men have picked up just two victories and if things fail to improve in the coming months, they will find themselves embroiled in the relegation battle.
The lack of a natural No.10 has plagued Benitez’s team for a couple of seasons now. Newcastle lack someone who can slot in behind the main striker and pull the strings in the final third, creating chances for the likes of Salomon Rondon and Joselu. In fact, they also need a player who can bring the wide players into the game with defence-splitting passes.
And Almiron would go on to address that issue and then some. The 24-year-old came through the youth ranks at Cerro Porteno in his homeland of Paraguay, before making a mark during his two-year stint at Uruguayan outfit Lanus. Having secured a move to MLS in January 2017, the playmaker has firmly established himself as one of the best in his position in the competition.
Almiron churned up returns of 9 goals and 8 assists in 32 appearances in his debut campaign with Atlanta United. The midfielder made a big improvement on his returns in the 2018 campaign, having notched up 13 goals and assists apiece in 35 appearances.
The 13-time capped Paraguayan international possesses excellent vision and creativity that allows him to create chances for his teammates. Almiron also has the pace and sharp dribbling abilities that enable him to run at defenders and pose problems. Someone who can score and create in equal measures, the 24-year-old also puts in the hard yards defensively and would bring in all the elements that Benitez needs from a No.10.
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At 24, Almiron is yet to enter his peak years and judging by his development in recent years, he will only get better from here on. Given Newcastle’s struggles this season, they could definitely use someone of his ilk and that is why they must do everything possible to beat Arsenal to the Paraguayan’s capture in the January transfer window.
