- 9 hours ago
Arsenal open to MASSIVE Isak fee with transfer approach 'likely'
Arsenal are ‘likely’ to revive their interest in Alexander Isak this summer, with Mikel Arteta’s side open to Newcastle’s price tag, which would exceed €100 million.
Isak has been one of the Premier League’s most prolific striker since his €70m transfer to Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022, with only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah scoring more goals than the Swede during that time.
The 25-year-old netted against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg this week, taking his tally to 15 for the season in all competitions, with Arteta hinting that Isak’s goal threat was the difference between the two sides.
FABRIZIO ROMANO TRANSFER UPDATE: Man City SIGNINGS, Amad contract SECRETS, Juve STRONG on Araujo
Isak’s contract at St James’ Park does not expire until 2028 and Newcastle will likely demand a British transfer record fee that exceeds the €116m Arsenal paid for Declan Rice in 2023.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are ‘not opposed’ to reaching those financial levels again, although it is likely they would need to ‘be creative’ to make another nine-digit transfer.
However, Isak has continued to dismiss speculation surrounding him and Newcastle’s pursuit of Champions League football, combined with potential success in the Carabao Cup, could further complicate any prospect of a summer transfer.
Arsenal only considering Saka replacement in January
Despite only two Premier League teams outscoring Arsenal this season, there is an acceptance at the Emirates that the club are lacking depth and quality in attack, particularly up front.
Arteta’s loyalty to Kai Havertz as his starting number nine was part of the reason why Benjamin Sesko rejected a transfer to Arsenal last summer but the German has still left question marks over his credentials as a striker.
A renewed approach for Sesko could also be on the cards in the summer if Isak proves unattainable, with Arsenal unlikely to move for a forward in the January transfer window.
The only potential signing that could tempt Arsenal into action this month would be a stop-gap replacement for Bukayo Saka, who will be a long-term absentee through injury for the Gunners.
However, no deals appear to be on the horizon for Arsenal and they will instead look to keep their ‘powder dry’ in the hopes of a marquee striker signing, such as Isak, in the summer.