Newcastle United star Alexander Isak has been heavily linked with a move to rivals Arsenal ahead of what will be a busy summer window.
Losing someone like Isak would be a huge blow to Newcastle’s long-term plans after the striker managed to hit double figures in the Premier League in his first two season despite struggling with injuries.
While on international duty with Sweden, the former Real Sociedad man spoke to Expressen where he responded to the rumours that Arsenal were considering making a move for him in the next window.
Isak labels Arsenal links as ‘very strange’
Isak arrived at Newcastle with a huge price tag having been signed for £63m and a lot to prove, and when fit it’s fair to say that he’s exceeded expectations in terms of his attacking output so far.
There are few strikers in Europe let alone the Premier League who have proven to be more clinical in front of goal these last two years, and it is the way he scores them which has been so impressive.
However, due to the leagues very strict financial restrictions, Newcastle were pretty much told that they may have to sell a start player like Isak or Bruno Guimaraes very soon if they ever want to progress the squad.
Of course, the last thing they want to do is lose such a top striker in today’s market, but the news put clubs on high alert and now it’s believed that Arsenal are hoping to make a successful bid for him.
On the rumours, Isak said: “It doesn’t affect me that much. It has been talked about many times, in many windows. 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.”
Newcastle simply must keep Isak
Regardless of how much the club will have to spend this summer, the biggest challenge they may have is keeping hold of their best players, especially if they no longer have European football to offer them.
But they simply must do all that they can to keep Isak around for the long-term if they are to have any chance at winning a trophy in the next few years.
Yes, it’s very likely that the Swedish international will bring in a record fee which would allow the club to reinvest into the squad, but they’re going to have to spend an extortionate amount to replace him anyway.
Finding a top quality striker is so rare these days – even Chelsea and Arsenal are still searching for one – and Newcastle find themselves in a very fortunate position with Isak at the moment, losing him would just be a devastating blow to the whole team.
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