Arsenal and Liverpool 'on RED ALERT' as Isak REJECTS first offer

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 26 Mar 2025 11:54 CDT
  • 4 min read
Alexander Isak, Arne Slot, Liverpool, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
© IMAGO

Alexander Isak has rejected Newcastle's first contract proposal, according to a report.

The Magpies are desperate to tie their Swedish sharpshooter to a new deal after he fired them to the Carabao Cup, their first major trophy in 70 years. Though Isak is still under contract until 2028, Newcastle want to hand him bumper new terms to ward off increasing transfer interest.

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Alexander Isak

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Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak

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With 19 goals in 25 Premier League appearances this season, the 25-year-old is once again performing at a world-class level and this has convinced the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool that he would be their ideal next No.9.

Newcastle, naturally, have no intention to sell. FootballTransfers previously revealed that Isak was open to signing a new deal if it included a release clause for 2026.

However, the striker is also aware that this summer could already be a career-defining one. If he stays, he will become a Newcastle legend, but if he still harbours ambitions of playing for one of Europe's elite clubs, then the upcoming window will be his best chance of freely picking his next side.

A host of top clubs are expected to make a long-term investment on a striker, meaning that many of the current opportunities will be closed off for the foreseeable future after this summer.

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Isak rejects Newcastle's opening offer

CaughtOffside now claims that Isak has rejected Newcastle's opening contract offer and that this has led to a pause in negotiations as the club plan their next move.

The report states that this is far from an encouraging response from Isak as far as Newcastle are concerned and has given rise to fears that this could be his final season at St. James' Park.

Alexander Isak
© IMAGO - Alexander Isak

It is further asserted that this revelation has put Arsenal and Liverpool 'on red alert.' The outlet adds that Viktor Gyokeres is being eyed as a potential replacement, confirming FootballTransfers' exclusive news from early December.

The news of Isak's refusal to engage in contract talks has been received as a bombshell, but it isn't all that surprising. As part of our reporting on his demand for a release clause, we revealed that negotiations are not expected to really ramp up until later in the year - should he decide to stay, that is.