One of Mikel Arteta’s key striker targets this summer has now suggested that he wouldn’t be interested in a move to Arsenal.
Arteta’s summer wishlist is thought to contain a centre-forward, a central midfielder and a new starting left-back.
It’s a shortlist that Edu will surely be confident of fulfilling, as he did so brilliantly when signing the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz last summer.
And if reports are to be believed, Arsenal are moving quickly once again.
Arsenal have sent a bid to RB Leipzig to sign Benjamin Sesko, a 21-year-old striker who is also admired by Chelsea.
And the club are also thought to have made several ambitious inquiries, interested in the likes of Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes.
Of course, the Brazilian isn’t the only player of interest to Arsenal on Tyneside.
Heading into the summer, Alexander Isak was thought to be the club’s number one target following a remarkable campaign for the Swede.
The striker’s asking price has caused a problem in that regard, with Arsenal quoted as much as £171m for Isak by Newcastle.
Alexander Isak says he’s happy at Newcastle amid strong interest from Arsenal
Having been speaking whilst away with Sweden this week, it’s not just Isak’s price tag which could cause an issue too.
In an interview with Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen, Isak has now suggested he doesn’t want to leave Newcastle this summer, instead saying how much he loves the club.
Isak shared: “I’m enjoying myself very, very well in Newcastle. I had my best season now in my career. That should not be underestimated. I love everything really about the club, the fans, the city.
“I actually have no thoughts of a move or anything like that. I enjoy myself fantastically well and am very happy with my existence.”
And when asked about the possibility that Newcastle would need to sell him for financial reasons, Isak said: “It is not something I am speculating on.
“Within the team or the club there has been no talk or drama around it. I have not received the information from the club that they would have to sell me.”
Sesko is a smart addition for Arsenal this summer
Of course, with Isak’s comments and Newcastle’s price tag considered, a move doesn’t appear possible for Arsenal this summer.
Instead, Sesko presents a suitable alternative, a player available at a much lower price and someone who is seemingly ready for a new challenge.
The Slovenian won’t have Isak’s impact immediately, but could grow to a similar level in a few season’s time.
All that being said, another young Arsenal target was incredibly impressive on his first international start on Tuesday.