Alexander Isak to Arsenal? Newcastle INCREASE huge asking price

Cameron Smith

17 Jan 2025 16:00 GMT
3 min read

Alexander Isak, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Alexander Isak, with Newcastle United reportedly increasing their asking price amid his immense recent form.

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The Sweden international has been on Arsenal’s radar for several years and his situation at St James’ Park is being monitored by the Gunners’ hierarchy as they look to sign a new centre forward.

Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out until next season after suffering an ACL injury and Arsenal have now been tipped to dip into the January transfer market in search of a replacement.

FootballTransfers understands that RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is currently Arsenal’s preferred target, although Mikel Arteta’s side are also looking at possible deals for Viktor Gyokeres and Dusan Vlahovic.

Isak is under consideration too, but a move is unlikely to happen in 2025, with Newcastle set to demand a world record transfer fee for the Sweden star.

That is according to Sky Sports’ Pete Graves, who told the Transfer Talk podcast: “There’s no chance (Isak will join Arsenal), £200 million to start if they want to get (Newcastle) round the table.”

Neymar is currently the most expensive player in football history, courtesy of his €222m (£200m) move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, but Newcastle want his record broken if they are to lose Isak.

The Sweden star has scored in eight consecutive Premier League matches and he is now the third-highest goalscorer in the English top flight this campaign, behind only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland.

What has Eddie Howe said?

Eddie Howe has repeatedly insisted that Isak isn’t for sale over the past 12 months and he still believes that Newcastle will keep hold of the 25-year-old.

When asked if his star forward is the most sought-after player in world football after his brace against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Howe told reporters: “Everyone tells me he is, everyone tells me he is! But I think he’s enjoying his football.

“We’re loving having him here, we love working with him. All I would urge him to do is focus on the next game.”