Arsenal have now been quoted an astronomical price in order to sign a player Mikel Arteta would love to bring to the Emirates this summer.
Although Arsenal’s season didn’t end long ago, Edu Gaspar will surely already be working tirelessly to ensure he delivers his manager’s shortlist.
Arsenal could make a number of signings this summer, with a new striker, central midfielder and left-back said to be of interest.
And that’s just to improve the first XI alone, the club may then look to improve their squad options in a few areas.
William Saliba for example didn’t have a natural replacement last season, meaning he played every single Premier League minute.
Bukayo Saka also didn’t quite have adequate back up, with Reiss Nelson perhaps being a player Arsenal could look to upgrade.
That being said, a striker is thought to be Arsenal’s immediate priority and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak said to be their number one target, with Ajax’s Brian Brobbey considered a suitable alternative.
And although Ajax are accustomed to selling their best players, Newcastle aren’t quite showing the same willingness.
Arsenal told they will have to break club’s transfer record to sign Alexander Isak
According to a report by CaughtOffside, Newcastle would now demand at least £171m to sell Isak this summer, a player they are incredibly reluctant to lose.
Newcastle have told Isak as much in a recent meeting, outlining that he is a key player for the club’s future.
Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Arsenal won’t make an approach, perhaps they believe they can still achieve better value.
Arsenal are also said to be interested in Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes this summer.
And although he has an active release clause of £100m, sources at the club believe Arsenal could sign the Brazilian for less.
Given their stature in the Premier League these days, Arsenal fans will probably be pleased to see their club operating with such ambition and necessary arrogance in the transfer market.
Although Newcastle will issue these sorts of ‘hands off’ messages, it doesn’t necessarily mean that an Arsenal bid wouldn’t turn Isak’s head.
Of course, Arsenal will be conscious of wasting their time too, and are unlikely to become embroiled in a huge transfer saga.
And with that in mind, perhaps it’s all already clear which alternative Premier League player could mark the perfect start to Arsenal’s summer.