Meet the Arsenal Champions League destroyer on Newcastle’s radar
Published:
Newcastle United’s search for another new striker could see the club turn to current Anderlecht hotshot Aleksander Mitrovic this January, with the Serbian likely to be available for around £10m according to reports.
The Telegraph reported that the Toon were weighing up a bid for the 20-year-old earlier this week though any bid could hinge on whether the Belgian giants somehow achieve the unthinkable and pip Arsenal to second place in their Champions League group.
A late equaliser from Mitrovic against Arsenal at the Emirates last time out gave the Brussels side a glimmer of hope going into Matchday Five and capped an impressive comeback from the Belgian giants, who had been 3-0 down to the Gunners with just over half-an-hour remaining.
Anderlecht host Galatasaray next week while Arsenal take on already-qualified Borussia Dortmund in north London with the Premier League side only requiring a point to progress.
But with the Belgians in fine form and favourites to beat an out-of-sorts Gala, any slip up from Arsenal could give Besnik Hasi’s side some hope of making it to the knockout stages.
Arsene Wenger’s men then face a tricky trip to Turkey and the intimidating atmosphere of the Turk Telecom Arena, where the pressure will no doubt be on for the visitors.
Anderlecht, meanwhile, will head to Borussia Dortmund with everything to play for and nothing to lose and could surprise with Jurgen Klopp likely to be focused on arresting BVB’s poor Bundesliga form, having potentially sealed top spot with a win over Arsenal.
Progress in the Champions League, or even a Europa League spot, could see Mitrovic opt against a move to Newcastle for the time being, but the Toon should nevertheless pull out all the stops to get the young striker.
Signed from Partizan Belgrade, where he scored 13 goals in 28 league appearances, the Serbia international has netted 27 goals in less than two seasons with Anderlecht and was previously linked with moves to the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham.
Strong in the air, the 6ft 2in forward is a goal poacher first and foremost and could be the ideal signing to lead the line for the Magpies in the Premier League for years to come.
But should the Belgians pull off a minor miracle in the Champions League, the Mitrovic may find himself the subject of interest from a few more clubs besides Newcastle.
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