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Arsenal have fresh hope that their wish for the Newcastle United forward could be granted
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Arsenal have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak. The Gunners have held a long-term interest in the Sweden international, but valuations far north of £100million, plus Newcastle’s strong performance in the league, make it a difficult move to pull off. But the Magpies’ moves in the transfer market may have just supplied Arsenal the encouragement they need to try and get the Isak deal over the line. According to a report from Football Transfers, Newcastle have recently held fresh talks with Sporting CP striker Victor Gyokeres, following approaches last month. It is thought that the discussion is primarily driven by a fear of losing Isak, but if the Magpies already have a ready-made replacement lined up, it makes them much more likely to consider sanctioning an exit for the striker. Gyokeres reportedly has a €100 million release clause in his contract, but it is widely believed that the Portuguese club would deal at a lower price than that, meaning that if Isak’s valuation of over £100m is met, the sale would fund Gyokeres and leave a considerable sum left over for additions. A report by L’Equipe suggests that Arsenal have considered Gyokeres themselves, but given the Gunners are chasing the title in the short term, the Premier League-proven quality of Isak would surely be the more attractive option. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Isak currently has 17 goals from 24 appearances in all competitions this season and would address the striker-sized hole in Arsenal’s attack, a gap which Kai Havertz has not quite filled, and the injured Gabriel Jesus can no longer fill immediately. Despite the Newcastle man having a contract running until 2028, the club’s advances towards Gyokeres signal clearly that an Isak sale is not completely off the table. In Four Four Two’s opinion, Arsenal need to move decisively to get this one over the line, regardless of cost, while Newcastle feel they have a suitable replacement lined up. The north London side’s lack of an out-and-out striker is evidently the missing ingredient at Emirates Stadium, with top-level talent throughout the rest of the squad. With Manchester City having an uncharacteristic wobble and no team looking unstoppable, this could be Arsenal’s chance to close the six-point gap to Liverpool and land that league title that has eluded them for so many years. Isaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for Four Four Two, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters’ meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan. Chelsea to bolster midfield with Premier League proven star, in first January signing: report Manchester United make shock last-minute attempt for Alejandro Garnacho replacement: report Sam Allardyce linked with 'dream return' to Bolton Wanderers Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. ©
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