Why Newcastle want to sign £43m star after Toure

Newcastle United have pressed the reset button this summer, with Anthony Gordon and now Sandro Tonali leaving the club.

Last season, Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League, and no one was supposed to be a star reaching the top. Losing them is no doubt painful, but given that the Magpies banked around £169m in total, it's hard to argue that the PIF didn't pull off some good business.

Eddie Howe is at his best, but how many times have we seen this manager dig in and show his value? Overcoming obstacles is Howe's forte, and PIF agree that he will be the one to lead the team back to their former glory, where they won the title and qualified for the Champions League (twice).

If Newcastle don't sign the right players in the next two months, however, we could be in for a repeat of the 2024/25 season.

The top-flight midfielder wants to join Newcastle

Tonali's move to Tottenham has yet to be finalised, but there is every expectation that the Italian midfielder will move to the capital in a deal worth up to £100m.

This is a certain number, especially considering that Tonali did not maintain his high level last season.

Now, Newcastle need to find a way to combat the expected sale of their big-money signing from AC Milan – all the while continuing to fend off jaws hungry for the signature of Bruno Guimaraes.

According to iNews, Newcastle are interested in signing Lamine Camara this summer, and may have been boosted by the revelation that the Monaco midfielder is keen on a move to St. James' Park.

While the focus is on Hoffenheim winger Bazamanou Toure, who could join this summer after a £40m fee was agreed between the two clubs, Newcastle technical director Ross Wilson must now show his major influence in the transfer market.

Monaco's €50m (£43m) asking price should not be seen as prohibitive; it's the perfect fit for a 22-year-old kid with the world at his feet. Aston Villa are also said to be interested this summer, and the Toon will not want to be poached again. They need to do it quickly.

Why Camara could be a Newcastle defender

Camara is not the only midfielder Newcastle are tracking as they look to replace Tonali.

The 26-year-old is eyeing a move to Tottenham, but Howe is keen to raid one of Spurs' keys, setting his sights on 20-year-old midfielder Archie Gray.

Camara is more secure in his presence as a center. He is strong and confident and clean on the ball. That's not to say Gray doesn't have such qualities within his abilities, but the Spurs star has yet to produce the consistency Newcastle may need to add from the get-go, as Tonali heads for pastures new.

Camara outperforms his opponent in almost every important area. Given that Spurs will want a pretty penny for Gray's signature anyway – he costs £70m in 2026 – there's only one way to get here.

Gray is talented, but is he the complete package? Connected after a disappointing first start under Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs lost 1-0 against Sunderland, the Englishman lacked consistency and accuracy in the duel.

Described as “the perfect midfielder” that every big club should be looking at this summer by Como scout and commentator Ben Mattinson, Camara's combination of attacking quality and on-the-ball style certainly puts him in a good position to succeed Tonali and help Newcastle return to the bottom of the Premier League table.

Of course, Camara is not the only talented midfielder on the market. Newcastle are looking for their man, but they were hoping to learn from past mistakes, and keep their options open…