Magpies eyeing up Metz youngster.
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Newcastle’s scouting of French football looks to have taken them to yet another gem, as they close in on the signing of 17-year-old Metz striker Olivier Kemen.
Talks are ongoing between the two clubs, but Kemen is expected to become a Newcastle player in the next few days, making him their first signing of the summer.
Newcastle endured a difficult season in 2012/13, finding themselves in a surprise relegation fight, though they have done well in recent years to bring in lesser-known talents from France on the cheap.
Kemen, a France Under-19 international, is rated as one of the country’s best young talents, and could become the latest in a long line of French players to make a name for himself at St James’ Park, following in the footsteps of the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
Newcastle have been linked with another rising Ligue 1 star this summer, attacking midfielder Florian Thauvin of Lille, who is also a target for Arsenal and Chelsea.
However, they could also lose the likes of Cabaye and Ben Arfa, both of whom have been linked with returns to the French league with Monaco.