Arnaud Lusamba (R) (Getty Images)
According to Chronicle Live, Premier League side Newcastle United have held talks with Nice midfielder Arnaud Lusamba. The 23-year-old’s current deal with the Ligue 1 side is set to expire this month and the report claims that Newcastle’s head of recruitment, Steve Nickson, has held talks with the player’s representatives.
Lusamba has had a breakthrough season with the French side, making 15 Ligue 1 appearances and has one goal and two assists to his name so far. With his performances improving with the time, the youngster played in all of Nice’s last five league outings.
Lusamba, who has to date featured in 31 games across all competitions for Nice has one goal and four assists to his credit. Before establishing himself at Nice, Lusamba excelled at Ligue 2 side Nancy where he made 53 appearances, scored 10 goals and assisted four times.
Last season he featured for Belgian side Cercle Brugge, where he was a regular presence in the line-up, making 25 league appearances in total. However, with his current contract at the Allianz Riviera set to expire, Newcastle have now shown an interest in him.
Steve Bruce’s Newcastle have endured a difficult season in the Premier League. They are currently 13th in the league table. The lack of a creative midfielder has hurt the Magpies badly this season with the side managing just 25 goals from 29 league games.
At the moment, veteran forward Andy Carroll remains the side’s top assist provider with four to his name, giving a clear indication that they need some new faces in the middle. Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding the future of young midfielder Matty Longstaff has put the Magpies in an even more difficult situation.
The 20-year-old, who has impressed unlike his senior counterparts within the side, is nearing the end of his current deal which expires this month. With the club yet to extend his stay at St. James Park, a move for young Lusamba would be a welcoming sign.
Along with Longstaff, Jack Colback’s contract is also on the verge of expiry, while Nabil Bentaleb is only on loan. This would leave them with just two central midfielders in their side – Jonjo Shelvey and Matthew’s elder brother Sean Longstaff.
Hence, by all means, Lusamba’s addition will only make Newcastle stronger and offer boss Bruce more options next season.
Newcastle clearly have a dearth of central midfielders in their ranks and Lusamba’s arrival would sort out that problem. The Frenchman Lusamba would add more depth and quality to the struggling Newcastle midfield. Also, he is still young and can learn and develop under the guidance of Bruce. Hence, they should quickly sign him if they wish to climb the table next season.
