Newcastle United are now racing Premier League rivals Arsenal to sign an impressive teen talent, according to recent reports.
Newcastle racing Arsenal to sign teen talent
It's a big month for the Magpies. They're set to enter the new year way off course from their goals and in desperate need of a successful January transfer window. Having spent much of their summer window solving their Alexander Isak problem, those in Tyneside must address the rest of Eddie Howe's squad.
Looking ahead to the January window himself, Howe recently told reporters: "We are always looking to be opportunistic. If there is something there that everybody feels will benefit the club for the short and long-term, I think that is something we will look to do.
Eddie-Howe
"Depending on what happens in the next few days and weeks. That obviously may change, there might have to be a need and a necessity to be active. I think we have to make that decision when it comes around. I don't think we can make that decision now.
"We don't want to recruit anybody to fix a short term need to create a long term problem. I think we will make decisions on what that injury situation looks like in the first week of January."
Saturday's 2-2 draw against Chelsea exposed Newcastle's problems for the umpteenth time this season, as they failed to hold onto their 2-0 lead and were forced to settle for a point.
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Newcastle's recruitment strategy has struggled to pay out so far this season.
That simply must change if they are to push towards the European places and the January window should present those at St James' Park with the tools to do just that.
Having already been linked with moves for the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Newcastle have also reportedly turned their focus towards Ligue 1. According to Foot Mercato, as relayed by Sport Witness, PIF are now racing Arsenal to sign Darryl Bakola from Marseille, who are open to a sale.
Bakola could complete Newcastle's new-look frontline
As impressive as Nick Woltemade has been, the towering German hasn't always received a consistent supply-line at St James' Park. That was, of course, supposed to be Anthony Elanga but the £60m winger is yet to discover his best form in a Newcastle shirt. And whilst Jacob Murphy has been as reliable as ever, the Magpies need a long-term option.
That's where Bakola could come in. The 18-year-old put on quite the show in his first Champions League start for Marseille against Newcastle earlier this season and that audition was seemingly enough to attract the interest of those in Tynside.
Bakola vs Newcastle Stats
Assists 1
Successful Ground Duels 3/3
Final Third Passes 7
Chances created 1
Despite being one of the youngest players on the pitch, Bakola didn't look out of place once and that's undoubtedly a positive sign for what's to come.
Alas, it could be all about the waiting game for Newcastle. As things stand, the teenage talent is set to become a free agent when his current contract expires in 2027 and that's when the Magpies could land an absolute bargain.