Newcastle United opinion: Should the Magpies sign Mehdi Zerkane?

According to a report from French publication, GFFN, Newcastle United are in negotiations with AS Monaco’s teenage winger Mehdi Zerkane over a summer move.

The youngster’s current deal with the Ligue 1 outfit ends at the end of the season and the Magpies are looking to bring him to the Premier League on a free transfer.

Newcastle have survived after a bit of a scare this season but they now face the hard task of convincing their manager Rafa Benitez to extend his stay at the club beyond the end of the season.

Benitez leaving will be a humungous blow for the Magpies after everything he has helped the club achieve over the last few years.

However, irrespective of what happens with the Spaniard, the club moves on and they should concentrate bringing in quality players to compete in the Premier League next season. Salomon Rondon’s future at the club is up in the air with no real decision made on making his loan deal permanent.

Ayoze Perez has expressed his interest to move back to the La Liga and losing him after a phenomenal campaign would add more pressure on Newcastle to do well in the summer transfer window.

The signing of Miguel Almiron raised the spirits at St James’ Park in January and the Magpies have been brilliant since his arrival despite the Mexican yet to find the back of the net. Almiron’s injury recently ended his season early which is a cause of disappointment at Tyneside but he is sure to be a star next season.

Newcastle should continue to back Rafa Benitez in the upcoming summer transfer window, which could potentially convince the Spaniard to sign a new deal at the club. One way Newcastle owner Mike Ashley can help convince Benitez is by sanctioning a move for young Mehdi Zerkane.

A free agent in the summer, Zerkane’s addition to the Newcastle squad should go down well with the club’s hierarchy considering the fact that he will cost next to nothing. The teenager is yet to make a senior appearance for Monaco but he has been hugely impressive in their youth setup.

A hugely versatile forward, Zerkane is capable of playing on either wing or even as a number 10.

The youngster could be looked at as a long-term replacement for Ayoze Perez on the right flank and he is at the stage of his career where he can thrive under a manager like Rafa Benitez.

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Conclusion

Mahdi Zerkane has the potential to help Newcastle reach new heights in the coming years if they manage to sign him in the summer.

The youngster, despite not starting a single senior game this season, has the ability to make an impact for any side and Benitez should have no second thoughts about signing him in the summer.