Newcastle United are eyeing a loan move for Atletico Madrid star Gelson Martins, it has been claimed.
The Portuguese international has struggled under Diego Simeone this season and could be available on loan this month, giving Newcastle the opportunity to pursue the winger.
And according to AS, the Magpies are willing to match Atletico’s asking fee of €4 or 5 million, which would allow the Premier League outfit to sign Martins until the end of the season.
Gelson Martins: The winger Newcastle need
After moving to Atletico Madrid on a free transfer, Martins has appeared out of favour under Simeone this campaign, mustering just over 200 minutes of league action.
However, the Portuguese international would be an excellent addition to Newcastle for a number of reasons.
The former Sporting CP star is blessed with the raw pace that not only makes him a threat from counter-attacks, but also allows him to run in behind the defence.
Martins often tends to take on defenders and get to the byline in order to provide crosses into the box – a style of play that could prove to be beneficial for Newcastle, especially with Salomon Rondon lurking inside the penalty area.
The 23-year-old also loves to take on defenders, notably averaging 3.6 dribbles per game last season. This could be useful, especially while probing the opposition, though it is Martins’ pace which could prove to be most useful to Newcastle given their counter-attacking nature.
The Atletico star could be tasked with the responsibility of making crucial runs in behind the defence, giving his team the opportunity to test teams on the break.
Newcastle’s lack of resources in the attacking department that has been detrimental to their performances so far this season.
The addition of Martins, in that regard, would provide additional attacking options and more spark in the final third to the Magpies, who have appeared over-reliant on the services of Matt Ritchie.
That being said, Martins certainly need to improve on his composure with the ball as well as his decision making in the final third if he is to make a mark in the Premier League.
And considering his struggles in integrating to the Spanish top flight, it won’t be surprising to see the Portuguese international take time to adapt to the fast-paced nature English football.
Furthermore, the Magpies will also face stiff competition in the pursuit of Martins with Arsenal and AS Monaco also eyeing a move for the Atletico Madrid man.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
