Arsenal have said it would cost more than £115 million to sign Newcastle star Alexander Isak – a British record transfer fee they cannot afford.
Isak, 25, has been in red-hot form of late, scoring 10 goals in his last nine games, including one against the Gunners in the first leg of Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final. The Swede's long-term future is now in the spotlight. Newcastle are currently unable to tie him down to a new contract and Arsenal are discussing a transfer internally.
The Magpies are still trying to balance the books to avoid profit and sustainability costs in the Premier League, with boss Eddie Howe admitting Isak's situation is 'complex'. But Arsenal will not pose a threat in the January transfer window despite the Gunners' obvious need for a new number 9.
Their toothless performance in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle left Arsenal legend Ian Wright urging the club to strengthen Arteta's attack in January after missing a raft of chances. But Isak will not come to save their fading hopes of a successful season thanks to Newcastle's high price tag.
The Mail reports that St James' Park chiefs value the ex-Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad striker at more than £115million, the amount Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in 2023. Isak still has three and a half years left. current deal and his luck at Newcastle, who are fighting to qualify for Europe this season thanks to seven straight wins.
Arsenal don't have that much money at the moment, but will listen to offers for striker Gabriel Jesus in the summer. Thomas Partey's £150,000-a-week wages will also disappear from the books after the expiry of his contract, funding the next phase of Arteta's project.
Significant sales could give the Gunners the money they need to sign Isak, who is highly rated by Arteta. Ahead of the semi-final, Arsenal's manager cheered: “It's clear he's a top player, he's in top form and he's scoring a lot of goals.”
Indeed, Isak's total of thirteen goals after twenty Premier League games puts him just seven away from his best ever return to the English top flight. The Sweden international arrived from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63m in 2022. If he continues in this rich vein of form, the Magpies should have no problem recouping that fee – and then some.
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