Newcastle United have been a mixed bag in the transfer window this summer, signing several exciting players while facing a barge of exits that could prove detrimental to the short-term ambitions of Eddie Howe's project.

Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have both departed, arming Newcastle with around £170m to redirect to the transfer market. Skipper Bruno Guimaraes, the heart of this project, is of a vested interest to Arsenal, and losing him would be a detrimental blow to the wobbling project.

It's perhaps soothing to see that the Magpies decision-makers are targeting up-and-coming talent this summer, that they are not oblivious to the wider creases that need ironing out.

But there is a fine balance that needs to be struck there, and Johan Manzambi hands Howe the best of both worlds: prodigious potential and enough quality to make a marked difference from the outset.

Who could benefit from Manzambi signing

Newcastle have agreed a £51.5m deal with Bundesliga outfit Freiburg to sign Manzambi this summer, the 20-year-old's stock having shot up due to his performances with Switzerland at the World Cup.

He's a real livewire, this one, and Newcastle's struggling stars could all thrive with him added to the mix. A fearsome and dynamic player, Manzambi has something Joelinton-esque about him, though he is also capable of producing show-stopping moments through technical quality and sheer will.

He will support the defenders through energy and athleticism. A duel-winning expert even as he is in his infancy, Manzambi would also prove the perfect partner for Guimaraes, should the Brazilian stay put.

Nick Woltemade, for example, could enjoy the bustling midfielder's progressiveness and physicality, carving space in and around the danger area while combining with the German to add new dimensions to Howe's attack.

He's an exciting talent, and no mistake, but Newcastle could sign an even bigger one before the summer's up.

Newcastle submit enquiry to sign bigger talent than Manzambi

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For Newcastle this summer, it's all about finding a fine line between potential and experience, and though Manzambi would offer that to the Tynesiders, they need more to secure their long-term future.

Indeed, Metz midfielder Believe Munongo is emerging as one of the most exciting prospects on the market, and it looks like Arsenal and the Magpies are going to engage in a shootout to sign him this summer, both having submitted official enquiries, according to SportsBoom.

Munongo is only 16 years old, so it goes without saying that he will not be leading from midfield next season, but he could play a supporting role for Howe's team, with journalist Bence Bocsak already saying that he could be "the next big thing in French football".

Showing the signs of an elite all-action midfielder, Munongo started five times in Ligue 1 last season, winning a tackle and 2.5 duels on average each game. Moreover, he won 69% of his aerial duels, emphasising the kind of physical midfield force he could be for the Toon in the future.

This goes to show that the France U17 international has what it takes to play a part for Newcastle next season, that he has the rare blend of technicality and physicality that can propel youngsters into the limelight before they have fully grown into their skin.

He would learn from the likes of Manzambi, for sure, but there's a real sense that this could be a midfield partnership for the ages down the line.

With Munongo already taking his first steps onto the major stage, he could eclipse Manzambi down the line, but the main thing here is that Newcastle are equipping themselves for the future following a period of turmoil.