Newcastle United reach 'verbal agreement' for £9.6m deal ahead of Fulham and Arsenal clashes
Newcastle United are set to sanction a player exit ahead of games against Fulham and Arsenal
London comes calling to Newcastle United over the space of five days with the Magpies preparing to host Fulham and Arsenal in back-to-back games at St James’ Park. Marco Silva’s side are first up as they take on Eddie Howe’s side in a Premier League contest on Saturday before the Gunners make the long trip north for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Mikel Arteta’s side are 2-0 down from the first leg after a surprise loss at the Emirates Stadium earlier this month. Transfer target Alexander Isak showed why the Gunners admire him as he scored the opener for the visitors before playing a role in the second goal as his shot was saved only for the rebound to put be away by Anthony Gordon.
Fulham head into Saturday’s game after losing 1-0 to Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Sunday night. The Red Devils scored from their only shot on target as Lisandro Martinez’s deflected shot found the net.
Newcastle sanction sale ahead of Fulham and Arsenal
Newcastle are set to be without forward Miguel Almiron for their games with Fulham and Arsenal after the north east club reportedly sanctioned his exit. The forward has agreed a £9.6m move to Atalanta United, marking his return to the North American side. He joined Newcastle from the MLS outfit in 2019. He has yet to score in 14 appearances this season. His best campaign in a Newcastle shirt came in the 2022-23 season, where he netted 11 goals and provided two assists in 34 Premier League games.
Reporting on the move, Fabrizio Romano posted on X: “Miguel Almiron leaves Newcastle to join Atlanta United, confirmed and here we go! Verbal agreement sealed between all parties, also player side on four year and half contract. Fee around $12m for Almiron set to travel for medical tests.”
Newcastle beat Southampton 3-1 on Saturday with Almiron appearing to say goodbye to the away fans at full-time. Howe introduced the forward in the final few minutes and pushed him to the front of the visiting players as they clapped the away fans after the game.
Howe on Almiron
Speaking about the player’s future just last week, Howe praised Almiron for remaining focused on Newcastle despite the links away from the club. Howe said: “I think Miggy’s head has been very, very solidly here. He’s been brilliant in training this week and I’ve seen not one moment where I thought ‘oh, I need to address this or speak to him or have a deeper conversation’
“I think we’re both aware of the situation. Yes, there is interest in him from other clubs. There is potentially a chance he could leave before the window, but until that moment, and if that moment never arises, he’s still a valuable member of the squad. We love him to bits, he’s got a great energy and character that’s never changed for a second, been the ultimate professional. And let’s see what happens.”