Newcastle United's pursuit of midfield reinforcements could lead them to Tottenham Hotspur's Archie Gray, but they have been cautioned that the 20-year-old is not yet prepared to fill the void left by Sandro Tonali.
Newcastle's squad revamp targets young talent
The Magpies are undergoing a significant squad overhaul this summer, focusing on acquiring young players with 'high potential' to inject fresh energy into the team. This strategy has already resulted in the signings of 18-year-old Dutch prospect Sean Steur, winger Bazoumana Toure, and goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen. Meanwhile, several first-team players have departed, including Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Matt Targett, John Ruddy, Tonali, and Anthony Gordon.
Uncertainty surrounds Bruno Guimaraes
Captain Bruno Guimaraes's future remains uncertain, with Arsenal expressing interest in the Brazilian midfielder. Guimaraes has indicated a desire to explore a potential move, though no direct contact has occurred between Newcastle and Arsenal. As the transfer window progresses, Newcastle's midfield could look vastly different by the season opener against Liverpool. With Tonali gone, Guimaraes potentially leaving, and Joe Willock's future undecided, the club is actively seeking new signings in the center of the park.
Gray a target but not a direct replacement
Newcastle have identified Gray, who was Tottenham's player of the season despite their relegation battle, as a target. However, they have yet to advance their interest. The club is still searching for a No. 6 to replace Tonali, with Steur considered a player who will need time to adapt. Former England defender Danny Mills, speaking to Snabbare, warned that signing Gray as a direct replacement would be a gamble.
"Archie Gray is still a young player with an awful lot of talent and potential," Mills said. "If that's a direct replacement, it's a bit of a gamble because he still has a lot of learning to do. He's played pretty much every position except midfield in the last few years, which has been a shame for him because midfield is his strongest position."
Mills also suggested Tottenham might look to recoup the £40 million they paid for Gray. "I assume Archie is going to be marginalised at Tottenham and isn't going to get many minutes. So, can they get their money back? I think they paid about £40million for him. Do they loan him out or sell him? If they can get their money back, they probably will."
Potential for the future
While Gray may not be an immediate solution, Mills acknowledged his long-term potential. "But again, you're buying potential. Is he going to go into that midfield and run it like Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes? It's unlikely in the short term, but in two or three seasons, possibly. I understand the investment, but I don't think it's a direct replacement for Tonali right now."
Newcastle also have other midfield targets, including Johan Manzami and Botafogo's Brazilian international Danilo, as they continue to reshape their squad under Eddie Howe.
