Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted Newcastle star Alexander Isak is a “top player” as the Gunners continue to be linked with the in-form striker.
Isak – who is valued at £150m by the Magpies – has been one of the deadliest players in the Premier League this season, having scored 13 goals so far, including six in his last four games.
The Gunners are known to be long-term admirers of the 25-year-old and were tipped to make a move for him in the summer, although a move never materialized.
The north London outfit need more firepower after failing to sign a reliable number 9 in the summer and now Bukayo Saka has been ruled out for the next two months, with youngster Ethan Nwaneri also waiting on the sidelines .
Ahead of Arsenal's Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, the rumors were put to Arteta, who failed to quell them and instead praised the Swedish forward.
“Yes, it is clear that he is a top player. He is in top form and scores a lot of goals. He tries to minimize the opponent's strength.”
The Spaniard was then asked about the likelihood of Arsenal being active in the January transfer window, to which he replied: “Whatever happens in the market, we are very alert.”
Arteta was told his answer was not a “no” to new signings, replying: “It's not a yes, it's not a no.”
Isak recently commented on transfer speculation last month, saying he was happy at Newcastle and had not considered leaving.
“Throughout my career I never responded to rumors (about reported transfer interests) during the season,” Isak told Swedish media. “There have been many such years where there has been talk of moving clubs.
“It doesn't affect me. My situation at Newcastle? I have never had any problems there and I am fully focused on my job there, that we will have a fantastic season. There are still great opportunities for that and I have no thoughts about it .” about something else.”
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