Chris Sutton jokes that Newcastle will end up signing Serie A striker that ‘goes where the money is’

Tue 19 October 2021 12:45, UK

that Newcastle will probably end up signing Marko Arnautovic – because he “goes where the money is”.

Newcastle, of course, are expected to busy in the January transfer window when it comes around – following their £305million takeover.

But whether they can attract big names in the January window, with the club currently in 19th place and without a win, remains to be seen.

Sutton was asked on MNC who he thinks Newcastle could end up signing in a couple of months time. The name he came up with was certainly, left-field.

He joked that ex-West Ham and Stoke star Arnautovic could end up at Newcastle. Of course, Sutton was corrected – Arnautovic has joined Bologna.

Discussing transfers, Newcastle said: “Long-term plan, but they have to think short-term. They’ll probably sign Arnautovic from China.

“They’ll sign mercenaries, pay over the odds – inflated prices, inflated wages. He normally goes where the money is.”

Sutton on Arnautovic: Would he be a good signing for Newcastle?

Arnautovic is now 32, but he is showing no signs of slowing down. In 184 Premier League games, the Austrian clocked up 80 goal involvements.

Scoring 43, he also laid on 37 assists. A brilliant return, given he played for mid-table sides Stoke and West Ham. His move to China was criticised.

Scoring 20 in 39 for SIPG, he has returned to Bologna where he has made a near-perfect start. The attacker scored four goals in eight games.

At Newcastle, he would offer a different dimension – and the versatility to play up top, or behind the striker. But his attitude is questionable.

For the short-term, he might just have what it takes to get Newcastle out of trouble. But he is certainly not a long-term, project addition.