‘Fantastic’ €100m striker who wants Arsenal move showered by Alexander Isak praise

6 Sep 2024 07:00 CDT
4 min read

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak celebrates scoring a Nations League goal for Sweden against Azerbaijan — © IMAGO

Arsenal transfer target Viktor Gyokeres impressed Newcastle hitman Alexander Isak when the pair teamed up for Sweden on Nations League duty on Thursday to secure a 3-1 win over Azerbaijan.

Article continues under the video

The Gunners had been linked with both players at periods over the course of the summer transfer window, but it was Gyokeres who Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta most coveted.

The Emirates club, though, were unwilling to match Sporting CP’s demand that Gyokeres’ release clause, which is set around €100 million, be matched – something the forward has now admitted frustrated him.

Compared

VS

€25.6M	ETV	€71.9M
€19.2M - €32M	ETV Range	€53.9M - €89.9M
26 years old (04 Jun, 1998)	Age	24 years old (21 Sep, 1999)
Sweden	Nationality	Sweden

Isak, meanwhile, has given the striker a ringing endorsement after he scored one and set up a couple against Azerbaijan as Sweden got their Nations League campaign off to a winning start.

“He made two fantastic assists and I still felt he was hungry for more,” the Newcastle hitman told the media. “We spoke a lot before the game and we came to the conclusion that we needed to link well, which we ended up showing.”

This attitude was typified by Isak giving up the chance to complete a hat-trick from the penalty spot by offering the kick to Gyokeres.

“We talked about it and, as I said, I felt he was hungry for a goal, just as I was. But I was the first to tell him that he had already helped me score two goals and, therefore, I gave him the ball. Even if I hadn't done it, I know he would have been happy with a hat trick from me!” Isak concluded.

READ MORE: Arsenal top scorers 2024/25

Gyokeres on Arsenal interest

Gyokeres has been one of the form players in European football so far during the 2024/25 campaign.

The 26-year-old, who is under contract until 2028 and has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €25.6m, has scored seven goals and set up another in just four league outings for Sporting.

He has admitted that missing out on a move to Arsenal this summer was a setback.

“Sporting wanted most of the starting players to stay and held us tight. That’s how it turned out, but I enjoy Sporting very much, so for me it was no problem to stay,” he told Sport Bladet.

“Of course you want to play at the highest level. The €100m exit clause was probably a bit too much because nothing came of it. Of course it’s a lot of money. But we’ll see what happens next window…

“Nothing happened and it feels like I had a pretty good season. So yes, that’s probably why there was simply no move. But that’s what Sporting thinks I’m worth, and then you have to respect that.

“I enjoy myself very much in Sporting and can’t complain about anything, so it’s absolutely no problem for me to stay. Of course, you aim to test other leagues and a higher level, but I have no stress.”

Gyokeres has continued that form with Sweden and will face Estonia on Sunday.