Newcastle United legend Nobby Solano has urged the club to acquire the services of Salomon Rondon on a permanent basis from West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season. The Venezuela international was recruited from the Baggies on a season-long loan last summer with Dwight Gayle heading to the Hawthorns in a similar kind of deal.
Rondon initially begun his Magpies career in a slow fashion as he was adapting to the club’s style of play but he has since picked up his form to contribute nine goals in the top-flight. In a report covered by The Chronicle, Solano has said that the Magpies must take the opportunity to sign the marksman, even though he has already entered the wrong side of 30.
He added that the Magpies are generally reluctant to spend big on ageing players but they should take the chance, given they may not afford another young striker at the same price, he quipped: “Rondon should be signed. He’s been very good for the team and is top scorer. Newcastle don’t have to spend massive money here. Would they get a top level striker for £16 million if they don’t sign Rondon? The answer is no. Another striker will cost much more.”
West Brom are currently said to want around £16m for Rondon but the Magpies are reluctant to pay more than £12m. As such, they could find themselves beaten to the player’s signature during the summer, considering both Everton and West Ham United are keeping tabs on the proceedings. The Toffees are understood to be eyeing a new striker with Dominic Calvert-Lewin yet to become an effective source when it comes to goalscoring.
On the other hand, West Ham are likewise keen on a regular goal scorer and Rondon’s arrival could spell concerns over the future of Marko Arnautovic. The Austria international penned a new deal with the Hammers earlier in the year, but he remains the subject of interest from the Chinese Super League ahead of the summer.