Hands off! Why Arsenal have no chance of Isak summer transfer

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 4 Apr 2024 20:34 BST
• 4 min read

Alexander Isak has brushed away reports linking him with a move to Arsenal this summer, with the Swedish international reaffirming his commitment to Newcastle.

Isak has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season and has taken his tally to 15 goals by scoring five times in his last four games, leading to him being nominated for the March player of the month award.

The 24-year-old’s form has led to interest from Arsenal and Tottenham, particularly with speculation that Newcastle could be forced to sell key players due to financial restrictions.

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However, Isak insisted he has no desire to leave Newcastle, having only joined the club in 2022 for a club record €70 million.

“Yeah, of course I want to be here in the future,” Isak told i. “I came here for the project, I absolutely love playing here, I really feel at home. I want to finish this season in a good way for me and the team. I love playing here.”

Newcastle are also believed to have no desire to sell their star striker, even if their financial situation worsens, leaving Arsenal with no choice but to look elsewhere in the summer.

Newcastle unlikely to consider Isak sale

Isak was heavily linked to Arsenal prior to his move to Newcastle, with the Gunners ultimately opting against activating his €90m release clause at former club Real Sociedad.

However, the Swede’s rapid adjustment to English football has led to Arsenal reigniting their interest in Isak, although there is no suggestion Newcastle will consider a sale for a player who has four years remaining on his contract even if the Magpies miss out on European football this season.

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While Newcastle CEO Darren Eales did admit in January that a major sale would be likely in the future, the expectation is that Bruno Guimaraes is the most likely candidate to leave, with the Brazilian having a release clause of more than €100m in his contract.

The likes of Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson could all also be sold this summer before a sale for Isak is even remotely considered by Newcastle, who also will not entertain the prospect of strengthening a divisional rival.

Newcastle will also be aware of the value of a player like Isak given the lack of proven strikers on the market and even a bid of more than €100m is unlikely to be accepted anytime soon.

While it is naïve to think that Isak will never leave Newcastle, there is no reason for the club to consider that option this summer and there will be justified optimism that the striker will continue to light up St James’ Park for the indefinite future.