Newcastle United are set for a second meeting with the family of Fenerbahce star Arda Guler next week but Arsenal remain in the picture for a summer swoop.
The Magpies will look to bring in quality players during the off-season as they prepare for a season back in the Champions League. That offers its own unique problems, and Howe knows that he needs the right mix of players to fight on all fronts. The Tynesiders certainly have the funds to bring in top players but have recruited wisely since the Saudi-backed takeover.
And the club now seems ahead of its targets having finished fourth in 2022-2023.
The north-east outfit have looked to bring in young talent, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman all on board.
But they may be about to lure an 18-year-old to St James’ Park if they can beat Arsenal to his signature.
Turkish Football have previously reported that both Newcastle and Arsenal are ‘frontrunners’ to sign Guler.
And now Karak has backed that up by stating the Magpies are ‘very serious’ about landing the Turkey international.
It was reported last month that representatives from the north-east outfit had already held talks with the player’s family.
And the report adds that a follow-up transfer meeting has been scheduled ‘within a week’.
That would seem to back up the claims that the club want to get this transfer business done as soon as possible.
Guler compared to giants of the game
Guler is understandably inexperienced due to his tender years but has made 31 Turkish Super Lig appearances, scoring seven goals.
The teenager has bagged 14 in total from 57 outings in all competitions. And he has already been capped twice by Turkey.
The talented youngster comes highly recommended, with former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil singing his praises.
And, with ‘superstar potential’ he has also been likened to Lionel Messi and Kevin De Bruyne.
That is high praise indeed for such a young player and it is clear why the Premier League duo want him on their books.
The level of Arsenal’s interest is unclear but the Ankara-born starlet would certainly not break the bank.
He has an unusual clause in his contract whereby he would be available for just £4.3m if he fails to play 1500 minutes this season.
However, that is unlikely to happen and the latest figure quoted for his signature is around £22m.
Guler is far from the finished article and there is always an element of risk signing such a young player.
But with a manageable transfer fee it will surely be worth a punt for a player with bags of potential.
Newcastle have got most things right over the past 18 months.
This may be a signing for the future but if he is as good as reports claim, then there is every chance he could be a star on Tyneside.
