- 9 hours ago
Four Newcastle stars ‘likely to be sold’ - including Isak and Botman
Newcastle may be forced to sell up to four of their first-team players in the upcoming transfer window as the possibility of re-entry into the Champions League looks increasingly unlikely.
The Mirror reports that Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes, and even homegrown players like Sean Longstaff are among those who could be moved on amid profit and sustainability rules.
Isak has been linked with a move to Arsenal but after reporting for international duty with Sweden, the striker insisted he is not thinking about the possibility of leaving.
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After his nation beat Albania 1-0 on Monday, Isak talked about his future: “It doesn’t affect me that much. It has been talked about many times, in many windows,” he said. “I see it as just such a thing. Everyone knows that summer is coming and, if things show up, things can happen, but I actually haven’t even thought about it.”
Magpies chief executive Darren Eales admitted they may be forced to sell if offers are too good to turn down, with the likes of Isak and Guimaraes being their most valuable assets.
Arsenal were linked to Isak in January 2022 but reports suggest that they are still huge fans of the former Real Sociedad man.
Head coach Eddie Howe, however, stated that he wishes to keep hold of Isak for the foreseeable. "He can go on to achieve incredible things in his career," the former Bournemouth boss said earlier this season.
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"He’s still getting back to 100 per cent fit, he is not totally there yet after his injury troubles this season. But the last two performances and the goals he has scored offers a glimpse into his capabilities."
It’s believed that Arteta is keen to sign a new centre-forward in the summer, with Eddie Nketiah’s future remaining uncertain.
Newcastle are 10th in the Premier League, meaning the club will lose a valuable revenue stream owing to the fact they are extremely unlikely to make a return to the Champions League.