- Newcastle United target Arthur Atta sends message in interview
- Atta transfer will likely depend on departures
- Why Atta could be an excellent signing for Eddie Howe
Newcastle United and Everton target Arthur Atta has provided an enticing message to the clubs vying for his signature this summer. The Udinese midfielder spoke in an interview about the Premier League and a possible move ahead of the transfer window.
The Magpies have been linked with Atta over the last month, largely in tandem with the growing speculation around the future of Sandro Tonali and the possible departure of Joe Willock.
Newcastle won’t be alone in their pursuit of the Frenchman, though, and face some stiff competition from Premier League opposition if they are to get a deal over the line.
What did Atta say?
Speaking in an interview with The i Paper, Atta was open about the speculation surrounding his future this summer and expressed his love for the Premier League.
Atta said, ‘The Premier League is the best league in the world; if I were to say otherwise, it would be a lie. It’s a league that everyone would like to be playing in one day.
“I have not spoken to any clubs yet, so I don’t know what can happen in the future. I play for Udinese, and I would like to keep growing and keep playing – this is the most important thing for me.
“If there are opportunities in the next transfer window, then the club and I will look at the options. I’m really good at Udinese – they help me a lot. I’m a better player compared to when I came.
“The Premier League is the most-followed league where there are a lot of top players. It’s a difficult league, so all games are at a top-quality level. I think that’s why it is the most attractive league.”
Atta’s comments suggested that he is open to a Premier League move should the right offer arise but was firm in his need for a regular playing pathway, something that may arise at Newcastle if Tonali departs.
Newcastle United Atta interest
Atta emerged as one of the names on the Magpies’ radar alongside the likes of Monaco’s Lamine Camara.
It is thought that the Serie A side are looking for somewhere in the region of £35m for the French midfielder, which may be attractive to the Magpies given the relatively reasonable sum in comparison to other options.
Whilst Atta’s transfer would most likely be as a result of any move for Tonali, the Magpies are also open to offloading Willock this summer.
If Newcastle do facilitate a sale of Willock, the door will be open to a second midfield incoming this summer, which may heighten the likelihood of a concrete offer for Atta materialising.
Atta a tactical fit for Howe
Atta may well be the exact sort of midfielder that Eddie Howe is looking for this summer.
The 23-year-old has a massive physical presence and is an exceptionally athletic midfielder, almost like that of the ageing Joelinton. However, Atta has technical qualities that are much more adept than the Brazilian’s.
His powerful ball-carrying abilities and ability to pick a pass in forward areas may make him the perfect option for a team struggling for creativity.
Those attributes position him as a very astute signing to replace any of the midfielders in Howe’s system, and we could well see a move materialise sooner rather than later, in line with Atta’s recent interview.
