David Ornstein has been answering some questions in a Q&A session for The Athletic – where he made quite a strong comment on an Arsenal target.
The Gunners have been linked to several players as we approach the summer transfer window, with the likes of Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres, Joshua Kimmich, Rodrygo Goes and Ousmane Diomande all being mentioned as targets for Mikel Arteta and Edu.
It remains to be seen what happens in the market, although there is one Arsenal target who David Ornstein cannot see moving this summer…
David Ornstein says he would be shocked if Arsenal target moved clubs this summer
Well, The Athletic’s Football Correspondent was asked what the future holds for Newcastle No.14 Alexander Isak.
A story from Football Transfers claims that Arteta is very keen to sign the Sweden international as an upgrade on Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
Isak has developed into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers since joining Newcastle in a club record £63m deal from Real Sociedad back in August 2022.
The Swede has impressively scored 15 goals in just 22 Premier League appearances so far this season, but while Ornstein conceded that Newcastle do need to make a significant sale this summer, he cannot see the 24-year-old being sold.
He said: “A sale will be needed to help balance the books… I would be shocked if Isak was sold. Eddie Howe has pretty much said that in recent days and I saw some comments from Isak yesterday suggesting he plans to stay.”
The Solna-born striker did indeed express his love for Newcastle on Wednesday, admitting that he “absolutely” loves playing for the Magpies and is committed to the project.
Therefore, Arteta and Edu may have to cross Isak – who is friends with Martin Odegaard – off the shortlist.
Gunners want one striker even more than Alexander Isak
Interestingly, there has been a striker described as Arsenal’s No.1 transfer target this summer – the aforementioned Gyokeres.
The Sporting CP No.9 has rapidly developed into one of Europe’s best forwards since joining the Portuguese giants in a £20m deal from Coventry back in July 2023.
Gyokeres – who is also a Sweden international like Isak – has remarkably scored 36 goals in just 41 appearances this season, while also providing 15 assists.
This particular Swede is easier to sign than the one on Tyneside, as Sporting CP included a fixed £85m release clause into his contract – a sum Arsenal are apparently happy to pay.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Arteta and Edu try to sign a top striker this summer.
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