According to reports in The Chronicle, Newcastle United could face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool – as well as the Merseyside outfit’s fellow Champions League semi-finalists Bayern Munich – if they want to sign Rafa Benitez favourite Kenedy from Chelsea this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Brazilian has impressed for the Magpies having joined them on loan until the end of the season during the January transfer window, and The Chronicle suggests that the Tyneside outfit are exploring the possibility of bringing him to the club next term – either on loan again or permanently.
However, the 22-year-old’s displays don’t appear to have gone unnoticed according to The Chronicle, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich all potentially dealing them a fatal blow in their bid to bring him to the north-east.
Benitez showed his love for Kenedy by praising him in The Chronicle on April 2 following the 1-0 win against Huddersfield Town on March 31.
How well has Kenedy done for Newcastle?
He has been brilliant.
The left-sided player has scored two goals – both in the crucial 3-0 win against Southampton in March – as well as providing a further two assists in 11 Premier League appearances, and he has impressed in general with his pace and trickery.
The Blues loanee has been a crucial part of the run that saw them surpass the magic 40-point mark with a handful of fixtures still to play, and he has already become a big St James’ Park favourite – fans on Twitter would prefer to see him join over Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand.
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Could they still sign him?
It’s difficult to say.
While Newcastle clearly want him and the player seems to have really enjoyed his spell with the club, the 22-year-old certainly has plenty to think about this summer.
Firstly, Chelsea may want to keep him and could offer him guarantees of regular first-team minutes, while the interest from three clubs that could be competing in the Champions League next season are also sure to tempt him.
It is a situation that could leave Benitez searching for a Plan B for the left midfield position, and ultimately leave the Spaniard frustrated once again in the transfer market.
