Over recent seasons, Newcastle United’s attack has often caught the eye in the Premier League - resulting in multiple finishes within the division’s Champions League places.

During the 2024/25 campaign, Eddie Howe’s side netted 68 goals in their 38 top-flight matches, with only Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal registering more.

However, this year has been a struggle for the Magpies in the final third, with only 53 goals being scored and no player managing to reach double figures.

Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is the club’s top-scorer on nine goals, which only further proves the struggles of the attackers at St James’ Park this term.

Over £150m was spent on new forwards last year, but their investment has undoubtedly been a waste - subsequently placing huge amount of pressure on the board to get it right this summer.

Newcastle preparing a bid to sign £42m attacking star

In an attempt to bolster the Newcastle frontline ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, a host of top-level attackers have been touted with potential moves to Tyneside this summer.

Hoffenheim star Bazoumana Toure has emerged as one target for the Magpies, with Liverpool also said to be interested in the Ivorian’s signature this window.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign in the Bundesliga - as seen by his tally of 14 goals and assists - which could see him available for a fee in the region of £42m.

However, Toure isn’t the only player from Germany’s top-flight currently in their sights, with Cologne star Said El Mala also being touted with a move to join Howe’s side.

According to BILD via Sport Witness, Newcastle are preparing a fresh offer for the 19-year-old forward who has netted 13 goals in his 34 outings this campaign.

The report also states that the Magpies previously had an offer rejected for the youngster, but are set to re-enter negotiations after interest from Brentford and Brighton emerged.

Like Toure, he could be available for a reasonable fee of £42m, with the attacker himself claiming he will leave the German outfit ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Why El Mala would be like a prime Ben Arfa for Newcastle

Newcastle has previously been the home to countless eye-catching talents, but very few have been able to emulate the levels produced by Hatem Ben Arfa at St James’ Park.

He was a shining light in a dark period for the Magpies under the ownership of Mike Ashley, with the French winger taking the Premier League by storm during his time at the club.

The attacker arrived on Tyneside during the summer of 2010 as an unknown quantity, but quickly established himself within the first team setup, with his direct dribbling and flair.

He went on to make 86 appearances over a four-year spell at Newcastle, scoring 14 times - with Howe having the opportunity to sign their next Ben Arfa 11 years on from his departure.

A move for El Mala would provide the manager his own version of the fan-favourite on Tyneside, with the youngster massively catching the eye during his breakthrough season.

Despite being just 19, the winger has produced some remarkable numbers, which has seen him be named in Germany’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.

The teenager, who’s primarily a left-winger, has completed 2.1 successful dribbles per 90 this campaign - subsequently ranking him in the top 3% of all attackers in Germany’s top-flight.

The aforementioned asset is a huge reason behind his impressive breakout season, something which Ben Arfa also caught the eye with during his own time in Newcastle.

His dribbling ability has also led to numerous key moments, as seen against Bayern Munich last week - as he carried the ball from his own half before slotting home.

The Frenchman also scored a similar goal during his own period on Tyneside, with his solo effort against Bolton Wanderers arguably one of the best ever at St James’ Park.

However, El Mala has also caught the eye with his crossing ability - subsequently completing 26% of his efforts - also ranking him in the top 15% of forwards in Europe’s top-five leagues.

Other tallies, such as 3.5 shots taken per 90 and a 41% shot on target accuracy, make him a huge threat in forward areas - leading to journalist Keven Bader labelling him as a “super talent”.

£42m for a player of his talent and potential would be a bargain in today’s market, with Howe and the hierarchy needing to work tirelessly to secure his signature.

His similarity to Ben Arfa is there for all to see with the Magpies having the opportunity to land a wonderkid in their efforts to mount a European push once more next season.