Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Zenit St Petersburg’s prolific striker Sardar Azmoun.
The Iranian international, 27, is out of contract at Zenit St Petersburg in the summer and has recently been in talks with Ligue 1 club Lyon. Having agreed personal terms with the player, however, Lyon are unwilling to pay more than £3million to sign the striker from the Russian club this month, thereby, potentially opening the door for Newcastle United to swoop in.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United have made fresh enquiries over the possibility of signing Sardar Azmoun from Zenit in this ongoing winter transfer window.
Azmoun has been a prolific goalscorer for Zenit since arriving from Rubin Kazan in 2019, netting 62 times in 104 games. He has been in good form this season with 10 goals and four assists in 21 outings across all competitions.
The Iranian forward impressed with goals against Chelsea and Juventus in the Champions League earlier this season, and his overall displays for Zenit seem to have caught the attention of Newcastle, who simply have to sign players of a higher calibre to have a realistic chance to escape relegation.
Sardar Azmoun to Newcastle United—A smart move for the Magpies?
Newcastle United’s plans of recruiting a striker in this window might have accelerated following a calf injury to Callum Wilson, who will likely miss all of the club’s January fixtures. Injuries have disrupted the Magpies’ rhythm and the recent injury to Wilson will come as a big blow to Eddie Howe.
Eddie Howe and co. have netted just 19 goals in 19 games so far, and with neither Joelinton nor Dwight Gayle being reliable operators in front of goal, the need to sign a prolific striker this month has increased tenfold. That being said, should Newcastle make a move for Sardar Azmoun?
Azmoun has been plying his trade in Russia for the last eight years, scoring plenty of goals for clubs like Rubin Kazan, FC Rostov and Zenit. Technically gifted, he is an out-and-out centre-forward and is known for finishing off chances in the box. Blessed with exquisite touch, strength and aerial ability, the Iranian is a real handful for defenders in the final third.
The ex-Rubin Kazan man is lively, energetic and has the pace to burn, making him a potent weapon for Eddie Howe’ side during transitions of play. At 27, Azmoun is at the peak of his powers and he could add a lot more goals to his tally playing around talented attackers like Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton.
In Sardar Azmoun, the Magpies could have a player who is evidently on the upward trajectory and might not cost a premium. Having said that, Newcastle must quickly launch the offensive and beat Lyon to the Zenit star’s signature.