Arsenal handed boost as transfer target stalls on new contract and makes several demands including release clause: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly among several clubs put on red alert as Alexander Isak stalls on signing a new contract at Newcastle United. The Swedish striker has been on the Gunners' radar and has just over three years left on his deal at St James' Park.
Alex Crook of talkSPORT reports that Isak has yet to agree on a new contract with Newcastle. The former Real Sociedad forward is demanding to become the Magpies' highest earner and wants a release clause.
Isak, 25, has been among the Premier League's most prolific attackers for several years. Last season, he finished third in the league's goalscoring charts with 21 goals in 30 games.
Arsenal have been linked with Isak to bolster Mikel Arteta's attacking options at the Emirates. The Gunners sold Eddie Nketiah in the summer but opted not to replace the English frontman and have used Kai Havertz as a false nine instead.
Isak has earned comparisons to Gunners icon Thierry Henry during his time in English football. Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch feels he has the same goalscoring prowess as the north Londoners' icon (via TNT Sports):
"How many times did you see Thierry go through on goal and panic? It’s the same with Isak, if he goes through on a one-on-one you’re just always confident he’ll score."
Newcastle have reportedly slapped an £115 million price tag on Isak to ward off interest. He joined the Tyneside outfit from Sociedad in a club-record £63 million deal in August 2022.
"Arteta is a big fan" - ex-Newcastle scout claims Arsenal manager wanted to sign Alexander Isak
Former Newcastle scout Paul Montgomery suggested Arsenal boss Arteta was eager to sign Isak last summer. He claims the Spaniard had his sights set on the Swede and former Brentford frontman Ivan Toney (via ChronicleLive):
"Mikel Arteta is a big fan and is desperate for a centre-forward. He wanted either him or Ivan Toney this summer but got neither. That won't put him off. He will return for Isak, who would score a ton of goals in Arsenal's set up and become a fan favourite like Thierry Henry."
The Gunners headed into the season with Gabriel Jesus and Havertz as their striker options. Jesus has struggled with form and injury, leaving his German teammate to lead the line for Arteta.
Havertz has performed well, with six goals in 10 games across competitions. Last season's Premier League runner-ups may need a striker of Isak's ilk to take them over the line.
