Arsenal set to suffer DOUBLE transfer blow

Suraj Radia

Updated: 26 Sept 2024 18:55 BST
3 min read

Arsenal could receive a double transfer blow with reports that two of their top targets are in talks over a new contract at their current clubs, ending Mikel Arteta’s chances of signing them.

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The Gunners spent more than €100 million this summer bringing in the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and David Raya on a permanent deal, however Arteta was unable to add long-term solutions to his attacking depth.

Raheem Sterling joined Arsenal on loan on deadline day but the Chelsea forward is only seen as a stop gap solution, with a striker and winger likely to be top of Arteta’s agenda next summer.

Two of Arsenal’s ideal targets this summer would have been Newcastle duo Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak but new reports have claimed that both players could be in line for new contracts at St James’ Park.

The Daily Mail state that Gordon is close to agreeing a new contract, with discussions having ‘accelerated’ in recent weeks and the framework of a package in place to be signed off ‘shortly’.

Isak, meanwhile, is not close to a new deal but the Swedish forward is said to be ‘seeking an improved contract’ according to The Telegraph, indicating his apparent desire to remain at Newcastle.

© IMAGO - Anthony Gordon has been unsettled after summer speculation.

Gordon ‘distracted’ by transfer talk

The news of progress over Gordon’s future will be a relief to Newcastle, having been close to seeing the England star being sold to Liverpool this summer due to PSR concerns.

The 23-year-old is reported to have been ‘distracted’ since the breakdown of his transfer to Liverpool, with the Telegraph citing it as a reason why Gareth Southgate did not involve Gordon more at Euro 2024.

Gordon was thought to be keen on a move to his boyhood club in the summer, even allegedly telling England teammates a switch was going to happen, however the collapse of a deal has played on his mind to start the season.

Current ETV

Anthony Gordon

F (L)

Newcastle Utd.

Anthony Gordon

F (L)

Newcastle Utd.

ETV Range

€35.6M - €59.3M

Both Gordon and Isak have had slow starts to the new season and Newcastle will hope resolving their futures quickly will lead to the duo recapturing their form from last season.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are aware that Newcastle will not let their talismans go cheaply regardless of contracts, with the Gunners likely to target players such as Nico Williams and Benjamin Sesko instead next summer.