Newcastle and Bournemouth battle for Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta

Newcastle United and Bournemouth are reportedly battling to sign Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta after both clubs submitted offers worth around €30m.

The French midfielder has emerged as one of the more closely watched players in Serie A following an impressive campaign with Udinese, and Premier League interest is now accelerating ahead of the summer transfer window.

Fulham had already attempted to sign the 23-year-old during January, but their €20m proposal failed to convince the Italian side. Months later, significantly larger offers are now reportedly arriving.

Reports from Italy suggest intermediaries have already opened discussions with Udinese regarding a possible summer transfer.

That process has brought Newcastle United and Bournemouth firmly into the picture, with both clubs now understood to have submitted €30m offers.

Udinese are yet to formally respond, but the growing level of interest appears to have shifted their stance compared to January, when the club were determined to keep the midfielder.

There is also increasing belief that Atta's departure from Italy is becoming likely.

Newcastle's interest arrives during a summer where midfield restructuring is expected to become an important theme.

While Atta would not directly replace Sandro Tonali stylistically, his box-to-box qualities and physical presence could still add important balance and depth to Eddie Howe's options.

The expectation from Italy is that English clubs will dominate the race because of their financial strength.

However, it remains too early to determine which side currently leads negotiations.

Udinese are expected to assess the current proposals while interest from additional Premier League clubs could still emerge.

Newcastle and Bournemouth may both need to improve financial terms further if competition intensifies later in the transfer window.

Would Arthur Atta be a better signing for Newcastle or Bournemouth this summer?