Newcastle United in race against time for £35m target as Chelsea eye another transfer steal

Giorgi Mamardashvili is attracting interest from Newcastle United this summer.

Before the summer is up, Newcastle United is looking to add goalkeeping depth, but they are up against a deadline to finalize a potential deal for Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili.

The Georgian player is keen to finalize his plans before Euro 2024 kicks off in less than two weeks, and the La Liga team is committed to paying [€40m] £35m for his services. As the competition to sign him heats up, Mamardashvili seemed to say an emotional farewell to the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia’s final home game of the season.

Newcastle is reportedly interested in the 23-year-old, but Chelsea is the most recent team to be mentioned as a potential suitor for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is leaving the team. Last summer, Mamardashvili was almost signed by Bayern Munich; Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have also been connected to the goalkeeper.

Chelsea reportedly sent scouts to watch Mamardashvili, and rumors have it that they are considering moves for Álvaro Valles Las Palmas and Villarreal’s Filip Jörgensen.

As Eddie Howe looks for more options between the sticks, Newcastle has been connected to James Trafford of Burnley and Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal. However, they will need to act swiftly for Mamardashvili.

Ruben Baraja, the manager of Valencia, stated in a statement last month: “Everyone should be aware of one important thing.” The manager of Valencia stated this week that in order for a player to be sold, there must be an offer that the player accepts and that the player wishes to join that team.

Situations that haven’t [yet] happened for Mamardashvili or Javi Guerra, about whom a lot is spoken, must arise. We will decide when that circumstance arises. If not, it conveys the impression that everyone is leaving Valencia and that everything will be taken apart, which we cannot tolerate.”

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