Arsenal are now weighing up making Newcastle United an offer for Alexander Isak in the summer amid interest from Manchester United in the striker’s potential transfer.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a prolific campaign at St James’ Park so far this season despite his occasional injury issues. Isak has scored 16 goals in 30 games across all competitions on Tyneside. He has even penned 12 of the Sweden star’s efforts in 20 Premier League fixtures.
Eddie Howe has been without Isak for a further seven of Newcastle’s top-flight games due to a recurring groin injury. It most recently kept the Solna-born striker out of action in February but he returned as Arsenal beat the Magpies 4-1 before scoring against Wolves and Chelsea.
Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in Alexander Isak
Now, the Express reports that Arsenal ‘could be tempted’ to target Isak’s transfer, with Mikel Arteta’s side long-term admirers of the Newcastle frontman. But the Gunners may also have to rival Manchester United for his signature, with the Red Devils also admiring the Toon star.
Isak is one of several options whom Arsenal are monitoring ahead of targeting strikers in the summer transfer window. The Emirates Stadium outfit also have eyes on SSC Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee among their leading targets.
But Isak has long featured on the north Londoners’ radar and Arsenal are weighing up a new pursuit this summer. Newcastle could even boost Arteta’s hopes as the Magpies may have to hold a fire sale – one which rival suitors Manchester United might not be allowed to exploit.
Rio Ferdinand told Mikel Arteta to go ‘all out’ for Alexander Isak
According to iNews, Newcastle are keen to include a non-poaching clause in Dan Ashworth’s move to Manchester United. The Toon and Red Devils are still thrashing out the terms of the sporting director’s switch. But the Magpies want to bar him from returning for any transfers.
The clause, which would cover a set period of time, could boost Arsenal’s hopes of agreeing Isak’s transfer from Newcastle. Although the Toon have the striker under contract until June 2028. So, Arteta may have to tempt Isak, who Rio Ferdinand feels could be ideal for Arsenal.
“Isak, by the way, if I’m Arsenal, I’m going all out,” Ferdinand told FIVE in January. “I’m going and buying him!”
Arsenal ignored Ferdinand’s suggestion in January, despite Football Transfers reporting then that Arteta’s club are huge fans of Isak. The Gunners could not afford a top-calibre striker in January without breaching FFP. But they will have the budget to swoop in the summer sales.