Reporter reveals FOUR players Benitez could cash in on to build a new strike force this summer
No striker is safe this summer at Newcastle United according to the Chronicle's John Gibson, who claims that Benitez could yet cash in on Aleksandar Mitrovic, Dwight Gayle, Joselu and Adam Armstrong in a bid to rebuild his attack ahead of the new season.
Whilst John insists that it's highly unlikely that we'll see all of them leave (due to the strain it'd place on us to find replacements for all four), he admits that Rafa is intent on improving his striking options this summer - and rightly so.
Mitrovic and Armstrong have endured impressive loan spells away with Fulham and Blackburn respectively, however it seems like those two will almost definitely be sold to raise funds for new arrivals up top.
Gibson does also admit that Gayle and Joselu could yet be sold too, suggesting that Rafa would happily cash in on both IF he was able to find improvements that would better us in attack.
Here's a snippet from his latest piece for the Chronicle on the striker situation this summer:
'Rafa Benitez is prepared to sacrifice Aleksandar Mitrovic and Adam Armstrong in the interests of building Newcastle United’s firepower.
'A case could also be made for taking coin if Dwight Gayle and Joselu are wanted by others.
'That shows how fragile United are in the finishing department – but also sends out a warning.
'The cupboard would be bare if all went, and all could on personal assessment.'
It's no surprise really. Mitrovic is not fancied by Rafa, Armstrong, despite his promise, is yet to prove he's good enough for the Championship never mind the Premier League, whilst Gayle and Joselu only mustered 10 top flight goals in 65 appearances last season - a stat which says it all really.
It's a plan I'd have no qualms with, but our activity in the market will have to increase significantly if we're to see major surgery in the striking department.
The sale of Mitrovic seems key if we're to fund a move for a proven striker, whilst selling the likes of Gayle could give some cash to sign a striker slightly more capable of doing it at Premier League level.
There'll be fans who'd prefer to see us keep the likes of Mitrovic and Armstrong, with many feeling they've never been given a proper chance by Rafa, but it may just be better to cash in and give Benitez the funds to sign a striker or two of his choice?
