Probable Newcastle Lineup With Arsenal’s Lucas Perez In The Mix
Newcastle United are being linked with a move for Arsenal striker Lucas Perez, according to reports from the Sun. The 28-year old Spaniard has grown frustrated with the lack of opportunities that came his way at the Emirates, following his arrival last summer. And the club taking away his No.9 jersey in order to hand it over to new signing Alexandre Lacazette upset Perez more and he has made no secret of his desire to leave the club before the start of the season.
With Newcastle in the market for a new centre-forward, a move for the former Deportivo La Coruna man makes complete sense and here we take a look at a possible line-up that the Tynesiders could field, if they manage to clinch the signing of Perez.
Manager: Rafael Benitez
Formation: 4-4-2
Rafael Benitez may look to switch things up tactically in order to fit Perez into the line-up and not lose his top goal-scorer from last season in Dwight Gayle, paving way for a 4-4-2.
Rob Elliott (GK)
Karl Darlow’s future at St. James’ Park remains in doubt and after his poor display in a friendly against Mainz, it is very much likely he will be sold. Until there is a new keeper signed, Rob Elliott is likely to man the goal.
Javier Manquillo (RB)
The summer signing from Atletico Madrid has had experience in the Premier League with Liverpool and Sunderland, and may very well start ahead of DeAndre Yedlin in the pecking order when the season kicks off.
Florian Lejeune (CB)
Another summer signing, Lejeune has already been gaining a lot of support from the Newcastle faithful with his strong displays in the pre-season games. Expect him to nail down a place in the heart of the defence.
Ciaran Clark (CB)
Given Clark’s experience in the Premier League, he is likely to be preferred ahead of Jamaal Lascelles and Chancel Mbemba. The 27-year old struck up a solid partnership with Lascelles last season and will look to do the same with Lejeune.
Paul Dummett (LB)
A lot of fans don’t think that Dummett has the quality to be the first-choice left-back on the Premier League stages. But with no player linked for that position, the former Welsh international remains Benitez’s best option.
Matt Ritchie (RW)
The former Bournemouth man was one of Newcastle’s best players last season and will look to have a similar impact from the right flank once again.
Jonjo Shelvey (CM)
The Englishman is Magpies’ midfield metronome, keeping them ticking with his expansive range of passing and strong contribution while going forward. Will be key for the club’s fortunes on their return to the top division.
Mikel Merino (CM)
The 21-year old arrived from Borussia Dortmund last week, following a disappointing season where he hardly played. However, his ability and potential is there for everyone to see and he could turn out to be the ideal partner for Shelvey in the middle of the park.
Jacob Murphy (LW)
The club’s most expensive signing of the summer as of yet, Murphy joined from Norwich City earlier this month. Following his impressive campaign with the England U-21s, he could get the nod ahead of Christian Atsu.
Dwight Gayle (ST)
The last season’s top goal-scorer for the Magpies, Gayle had a great beginning to life at St. James’ Park. His Premier League record isn’t that great however, and he will need to pull up his socks and deliver for Newcastle.
Lucas Perez (ST)
The Spaniard did not play enough last season for the Gunners, but in his handful of appearances, Perez displayed that he has the quality and the ability to succeed at this level, scoring 7 goals in 21 games in all competitions. If they manage to sign him and get him firing at the top alongside Gayle, goals shouldn’t be a problem for Newcastle.