ARSENAL are facing a triple blow to their hopes of signing Newcastle star Alexander Isak.
The Sweden international is one of the most in-form strikers in Europe.
Isak, 25, has recovered from a slow start to the season and has now scored 11 goals in 16 Premier League appearances.
His exploits have increased Arsenal's interest in him; however, they may have difficulty closing a deal.
SunSport can reveal the prolific forward could be willing to stay at St James Park – if the club finishes in the top four.
Sources close to the player say he is desperate to play in the Champions League but believes he can achieve that ambition with the Magpies.
The news will come as a blow to Arsenal, who continue to monitor the player.
The Gunners are also likely to baulk at the huge price tag now attached to the player.
Reports over the weekend suggest Newcastle will resist any attempt to lure him away by slapping a record price of more than £150million on Isak.
They blocked talks to poach Isak last summer by demanding a fee of around £150 million for Isak, deterring Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea.
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With three and a half years left on his contract, which Newcastle may look to extend at the end of the season, the asking price will not be reduced.
New contract talks were postponed earlier this year, Newcastle want to keep Isak and know an extension will have to be discussed at some point.
Arsenal have long been linked with an interest in Isak, who has scored 42 goals in 68 Premier League appearances.
However, they could struggle to get the kind of money needed to open talks at a time when every club in England must comply with the PSR.
And a third blow to Arsenal's hopes is that they are not the only club keen to sign Isak.
Paris Saint-Germain is also believed to be pursuing the striker, while there could be interest from two Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
If Liverpool cannot agree a new contract with Mohamed Salah, they could also look at Isak as his replacement.
Interest from top clubs could spark a bidding war and push Isak's transfer to a world record.
Neymar's move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 is the current record of £198 million.
This means Arsenal could be looking for an alternative to Isak, with Wolves star Matheus Cunha an option linked with a move to the Emirates.
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