Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal transfer masterplan put on hold after surprise exit

Arsenal are monitoring Alexander Isak's situation at Newcastle but will see every move dependent on their next sporting director.

The Gunners have long been linked with the Sweden international, who is under contract at St James' Park until 2028, and retain an interest in the striker. Isak has scored five goals in 11 games for Newcastle this season but sees the current state of his contract as described by Eddie Howe as a 'complex situation'.

The club's PSR situation, which saw them sell players in the summer, could have a knock-on effect on negotiations with Isak. The Magpies do not want to have their hands tied again in the transfer market.

Sky in Germany reports that Isak is on North London's list of targets, but much will depend on Arsenal's new sporting director following Edu's shock departure earlier this month. The Brazilian resigned after being tempted by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' offer to manage three sporting directors at three different clubs: Forest, Olympiakos and Rio Ave.

Edu has been placed on gardening leave by Arsenal, with assistant sporting director Jason Ayto taking on the role until they can identify his replacement. Arteta is not perturbed by his colleague's departure.

“The plan and the vision, which starts with ownership, which is very clear and very ambitious, will continue,” he said. “We have a very strong leadership team with incredible know-how, a real passion and great feelings for the club, we are not going to stop where we are at the moment.

Meanwhile, in Newcastle, Howe remains relaxed about Isak's situation and appears intent on using him in the future. The ex-Bournemouth boss believes his lead can become the best striker in the world.

“I feel like his potential is great,” he said. “I think really, if he can continue on the path he has been on over the last few seasons, he can continue and prove himself as one of the best in the world.

“Without putting pressure on him, that would be my target if I were him.

“I think we're entering the business end in the sense that December is always full of great challenges and opportunities, that's how I see it, so that we can consolidate our position and hopefully move forward in positive territory.

“But there are no guarantees, we know how tight the Premier League is this year and every game is difficult. We have no illusions that there are easy games at home or away, we don't underestimate anyone. But we stand behind ourselves and this will be an important point in our season.”