23-year-old midfielder released by club, Newcastle reportedly in talks

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French club Nice have confirmed on their official website that midfielder Arnaud Lusamba will leave the club at the end of his contract and has not returned to pre-season training – amid reported talks over a move to Newcastle.

Lusamba, 23, is said to be a target for Newcastle this summer with his contract expiring at the end of the month. The France youth international has played 15 times in all competitions for Patrick Vieira’s Nice this season.

The Chronicle have claimed that head of recruitment Steve Nickson has held talks with the representatives of the French midfielder ahead of the summer window. Now, Nice have confirmed he will be leaving the club.

The Ligue 1 club have also confirmed that Lusamba has not returned to pre-season training with Nice this summer, as Vieira gets his players back together. It remains to be seen if Lusamba will join Newcastle in the coming weeks.

TBR’s view – Is Lusamba good enough for Newcastle?

The midfielder failed to become a regular at Nice and was even loaned to Belgian side Cercle Brugge during the 2018-19 campaign. So, is he good enough for Newcastle? Right now, he certainly would not start.

Newcastle should be much more focused on agreeing new terms with midfielder Matty Longstaff in the coming days, rather than agreeing a deal for a fringe player at Nice. Yes, he is young and on a free, but he should not be a priority.