Newcastle United are eyeing a move for striker Jonathan Kodjia, according to latest reports. The Aston Villa striker has emerged as the latest target for the Magpies after Villa head coach Steve Bruce admitted he might be sold this summer.
Kodjia, 28, has spent the last couple of seasons at Villa Park after initially making a big money move from Bristol City in the summer of 2016. However, following a stunning start to his career at Aston Villa, the Frenchman endured a rough time last season, scoring just one goal in 15 matches.
Aside from his performances with the Villans, Kodjia also enjoyed a great time with Bristol City, where he had scored 18 goals before making a move to the Villa Park for a fee of €12.9 million.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are keen on bolstering their attacking department this summer despite a rather satisfying season.
Head coach Rafa Benitez is focused on eclipsing his side’s performances from last season but in order to achieve that, he definitely needs to upgrade his hit and miss attack.
Newcastle need more strikers: Is Kodjia the solution?
Even though the Magpies possess a plethora of options in the goal-scoring department with the likes of Dwight Gayle, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Joselu serving their offensive department, most of them have failed to remain consistent over a long period of time.
Mitrovic and Joselu, in particular, have struggled in the Premier League, leaving Benitez with Gayle as the only reliable option in attack.
Therefore, the addition of a new attacker is imperative if they are to make an impression and Newcastle believe Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia has the credentials to spearhead their attack next season.
The French striker is an experienced campaigner as well as a proven goalscorer, who is also regarded as one of the tops strikers in the Championships. That being said, one can easily be forgiven to think that Kodjia may struggle to cope with the Premier League.
Despite having the experience, the Frenchman has mostly played in the English and French second division throughout his career.
In fact, he is yet to make any top-flight appearance during his illustrious career! Additionally, his awful scoring tally last season could be an alarming sign for his potential suitors.
Fortunately for the Newcastle fans, however, Kodjia is club’s extreme alternative should moves for other top targets fail to materialise.
It is understood that the Magpies are keen on bagging the services of West Brom forward Salomon Rondon, who has a £16.5m release clause.
