Arsenal have no chance of signing Alexander Isak this month, but if he misses Champions League qualification, Newcastle could force their hand, Emile Heskey suggests.
The Magpies striker has established himself as one of the best goalscorers in world football with 14 goals in his last 15 games, including scoring in seven consecutive Premier League games. His latest exploits in front of goal saw him bag Newcastle's opener in their 2-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The supreme Swede has long been linked with a move to the red side of north London, where there is a distinct lack of a striker like Isak. Ex-Liverpool striker Heskey believes the Gunners have no chance of luring the 25-year-old to the Emirates this month.
“I think Arsenal fans are in dreamland if they think they can sign Alexander Isak in January,” he told Instant Casino. “The point is that Newcastle are legitimately chasing the top four.
“If I'm Eddie Howe, do you seriously think I'm going to sell my best player to a rival? There's no love lost between Newcastle and Arsenal, so why would they want to please them.”
“I think it's going to take stupid money, crazy money to get Isak out of Newcastle in January. Even if they want him in the summer, you're talking over a hundred million pounds. Will they try for him in the summer ? Maybe, but who is he to say he doesn't want to stay at Newcastle, especially if they can secure Champions League football.”
However, Heskey has questioned whether there is a 'gentlemen's agreement' between Isak and Newcastle that would allow his departure if they fail to win Champions League football this season. “If Newcastle qualify for the Champions League, I don't see them selling any of their best players,” he added.
“For every player, the Champions League is what it's all about. It's the pinnacle of club football. So I think if you want to keep a player like that, maybe there can be a gentleman's agreement between him and the club where they will allow him “To leave when Champions League football is not on the menu at St James' Park.”
If such a transfer deal were to exist, Arsenal could have a better chance of landing him in the summer if they look to make a move for the striker.
Should Isak score in his next four league games against Wolves, Bournemouth, Southampton and Fulham, he would equal Jamie Vardy's scoring record for most consecutive Premier League games (11). And continuing its prolific season will only increase its potential price tag come summer.
Comments