Newcastle Toons
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Mateta is an intriguing option for Newcastle United

By Carson A Merk

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Stoke City and Newcastle United at Bet365 Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Stoke City and Newcastle United at Bet365 Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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As the club searches for more offense, Newcastle United may go with a 20-year-old promising prospect.

Newcastle United will need to score a lot more goals next season if they want to improve on their surprising 10th place finish in the Premier League. With striker as the primary focus, the club could be eyeing a promising French prospect to add to their attack.

Jean-Philippe Mateta spent last season with Le Havre in the French second division, on loan from Lyon. The 20-year-old scored 19 goals in 37 appearances. Before signing with Lyon in 2016, the target man scored 11 goals in 21 matches for LB Chateauroux, playing in the third tier of French soccer. At any level, he is a nightmare to mark going forward. He has great pace and skill on the ball and stands 6’3”.

Mateta would be joining a group of strikers that currently includes Joselu, Dwight Gayle, and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Joselu and Gayle were both massive letdowns last season and Mitrovic seems to be on his way out after starring on loan for Fulham. Signing Mateta would be an out of the ordinary move for the Toon. They don’t typically land the young, full of potential players. While he hasn’t proven himself at a top level, his track record of scoring goals and his raw ability make him a very intriguing option.

Rafa Benitez and Newcastle could decide on a loan deal with an option to buy, rather than buying him outright. His contract with Lyon runs until 2021 and they won’t be likely to give him away for cheap. While the club should prioritize an older, more proven option if possible, I’d be very happy if they can add Mateta on loan or transfer.