Arsenal make Alexander Isak transfer ‘decision’ as Mikel Arteta plan emerges
Mikel Arteta is desperate for a new striker but Arsenal are dropping their interest in Newcastle United star Alexander Isak as the summer transfer window comes to a close
Arsenal have reportedly decided to end their chase for Newcastle’s star forward Alexander Isak as the summer transfer window draws to a close.
Mikel Arteta’s side are said to be busy on the final day of the window, with Bournemouth’s Neto poised to replace new Southampton recruit Aaron Ramsdale as the second-choice goalkeeper, while Raheem Sterling is still believed to be in their sights.
However, one ambition at Arsenal that remains unfulfilled is the acquisition of a top-tier striker. A host of promising players have been linked with a move to the Emirates, including Ivan Toney who is heading to Saudi Arabia and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, but no deal has come to fruition.
Newcastle’s Isak is a player admired by Arsenal, but it appears he will be staying at St. James’s Park for the time being, leaving Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz to spearhead the attack during Arteta’s bid for the title in March.
Before Isak joined Newcastle, Arsenal reportedly scouted the then-Real Sociedad player but lost out to the Magpies after refusing to meet his £77million release clause, reports the Mirror.
The Swedish international, who Newcastle signed for £63m in 2022, had an exceptional season last year. He scored 21 goals in the league, a tally only surpassed by Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer, attracting the attention of several top European clubs, including Arteta’s team.
The Gunners’ interest in Isak was initially flagged by The Guardian in April, with speculations of a whopping £100m fee possibly enticing Newcastle to part ways with their star striker.
It wasn’t until June that things truly got serious. With Newcastle at risk of breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, it looked like they might have to hit the panic button.
Liverpool threw their hat in the ring for Anthony Gordon, and Arsenal were said to be circling over Isak, poised to swoop in should the opportunity arise. Yet, selling both Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest for a hefty £68m gave Newcastle the financial leeway they needed, meaning Isak was suddenly off the table.
Instead, Arsenal shifted their attention, securing talents like David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, and Mikel Merino. As a result, the race to bring Isak to Emirates Stadium has cooled, especially with inputs now limited and transfer deadline day here.
Eddie Howe, Isak’s manager, weighed in on his players future, stating: “For me, I think the biggest thing is would I swap him with anybody else? No, I wouldn’t,” highlighting Isak’s age and potential as invaluable to the team. “When you look at his age profile and what’s to come, you look at his attributes and his qualities, he’s some talent.”
