Transfer Rumours

Rafa Benitez identifies Miguel Almiron to replace Ayoze Perez – Report

Newcastle United are chasing the signature of Miguel Almiron according to reports this morning.

The 23 year old playmaker/number 10 is claimed to be on Rafa Benitez’ wish list to replace Ayoze Perez.

The United boss failed to get the backing from Mike Ashley in both January and the summer to inject some much needed quality into this key position.

In the Championship Mohamed Diame and Ayoze Perez shared the role but after a really poor pre-season from Diame, Rafa has been forced to go with his fellow Spaniard all this season – so far.

A regular for Paraguay, Miguel Almiron first came to notice playing for Cerro Porteno in his home country, before moving to a higher standard of football in Argentina with Lanus.

However, since moving to Atlanta United in February this year, three days after turning 23, his career has really taken off.

The MLS side have had great value for money with the £7m transfer, Miguel Almiron involved in 17 goals (scored 9, 8 assists) despite only starting 28 league games plus 3 sub appearances.

A number of clubs are reported to have been watching the Paraguayan playmaker, including Newcastle.

Italian media outlet Calciomercato report that Inter Milan are facing a challenge from Newcastle United, with Arsenal also keeping an eye on the player.

With Atlanta United set to more than double their money in less than a year if he moves, the reported £15m price tag would represent the biggest transfer made by Rafa Benitez so far, if a transfer did indeed happen.

Some people will have doubts as to whether Almiron could step up from the MLS but then with any signing you pay your money and make your choice.

Obviously the problem for Rafa so far has been that he hasn’t had the money to make a proper choice, in bringing in the kind of quality playmaker/number 10 that his team is desperate for.

Whether it is Miguel Almiron or whoever, Newcastle supporters will be hoping that both that number 10 role and the main striking one will be strengthened in January.

Whether the club has new owners or not is irrelevant, going into the second half of the season without adding quality in the forward positions would be a massive risk.