Arsenal cannot afford the British record transfer fee that would be needed to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle this summer.
Sources say it is extremely unlikely that owner Stan Kroenke will approve a move for the 25-year-old, with the focus for now being on spending.
We understand the Gunners will listen to offers for striker Gabriel Jesus at the end of the season and Oleksandr Zinchenko could leave this month. Thomas Partey's £150,000 weekly wage will also be scrapped when his contract expires in June.
While Arsenal have nothing to worry about when it comes to adhering to the profit and sustainability rules, they still have to stick to them. And for now, this means that an Isak transfer is being downplayed by sources close to the club.
Manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly a big fan of the 25-year-old and former sporting director Edu, who left the club in November, was also an admirer. It is believed that Isak's camp is aware of Arsenal's interest.
His man-of-the-match performance and 15th goal of the season in Newcastle's 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final win at Arsenal this week showed just how perfect he would be for the Gunners.
But unless there is a significant departure from the Emirates Stadium, we have been told not to expect a bid this summer.
Newcastle sources insist there is no asking price for a player they want to keep at St James' Park, but a fee higher than the British record £115m Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo would almost certainly be required he would leave.
Isak's situation on Tyneside is not easy. He is already the club's top earner and has a contract until 2028. However, there is no doubt that a player of his caliber could demand a higher wage elsewhere.
For now, Newcastle cannot improve their contract status due to PSR, but a return to the Champions League would likely change that attitude next summer. It would also provide the player with the platform of the top European competition he desires.
With Eddie Howe's side currently in fifth place in the Premier League thanks to five straight wins and a second leg against Arsenal away from the Carabao Cup final, the chances of Isak staying at Newcastle are increasing by the day, especially now that leading candidate Arsenal is not there. a position that can be offered to him in his current form.
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