Newcastle advance move to sign £35m Serie A midfielder "in the last few hours"

As the threat of losing yet more star players looms, Newcastle United have opened talks to sign an impressive addition of their own this summer.

Newcastle launch approach to sign midfield star

After losing Anthony Gordon to Barcelona in a deal worth £69m, the Magpies should have money to spare ahead of the transfer window. And, this time, they must spend it wisely.

It was a nightmare campaign for Eddie Howe and his side, which started with a summer centred around poor recruitment. PIF backed Newcastle in full, spending over £150m on Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga, only for all to struggle at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United’s most expensive signings of all time
Rank	Player	Fee	Signed from	Year
1	Nick Woltemade	£69m	Stuttgart	2025
2	Alexander Isak	£60m	Real Sociedad	2022
=3	Sandro Tonali	£55m	AC Milan	2023
=3	Anthony Elanga	£55m	Nottingham Forest	2025
=3	Yoane Wissa	£55m	Brentford	2025

Almost 12 months on, there must not be a repeat. It’s why new sporting director Ross Wilson has such a tough task on his hands and why he’s already set his sights on several names.

That includes in midfield. With Sandro Tonali still attracting plenty of attention, the Magpies have shifted their focus towards any potential replacements for the Italian in the Serie A.

Howe’s next Gordon: Newcastle pushing very hard to sign “explosive” £34m star

Newcastle United are reportedly keen on a deal to sign a star who could be Eddie Howe’s next Anthony Gordon.

According to IL Mattino, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have made contact to sign Arthur Atta from Udinese “in the last few hours” and are set to accelerate their move for the midfielder worth €40m (£35m).

It’s an asking price that Newcastle are more than capable of reaching, especially after selling Gordon, and Atta would be worth every penny if he eased concerns about replacing Tonali.

Why £35m Atta could replace Tonali

It wasn’t so long ago that a Serie A midfielder was taking the Premier League by storm for the first time. It was Newcastle who also benefitted then, when Tonali found his best form. Now, Atta could be next in line.

League stats 25/26	Atta	Tonali
Minutes	2,563	2,543
Goals	5	0
Tackles	27	35
Recoveries	111	147

Whilst Atta is not at the same level as Tonali out of possession, he does offer more of a threat going forward and Newcastle could certainly do with the added goals.

It was their attack which struggled most this season, as they felt the absence of Alexander Isak in full. Adding goals from midfield would be one way to help solve that problem.

At £35m, there’s every chance that Atta turns into the bargain deal that the Magpies have been searching for, especially if Tonali heads for the exit door.