Newcastle have no plans to cash in on Alexander Isak's red-hot form in the January transfer window and will do everything they can to keep him.
Isak has been on fire of late, scoring ten goals in his last nine games for Newcastle to increase transfer interest from other clubs. The Swedish striker has now scored 15 goals in 22 games this season and has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners are crying out for a centre-forward after their lack of firepower cost them their way through back-to-back defeats at home to Newcastle and Manchester United in the cup ties. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are far from productive and Mikel Arteta wants a player with Isak's ability to fill the void.
Newcastle have been decisive in their response to the interest in Isak and have reportedly told Arsenal it would take a fee of more than £115 million before they would consider selling. “There is no part of me or anyone at Newcastle that wants to let Alex go,” Eddie Howe said recently. “He's very much part of our long-term plans. He's first class.”
According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle are also planning to further strengthen their hand. He is already under contract until June 2028, but the club expects Isak to sign a new contract and offer him the iconic number 9 shirt, currently occupied by Callum Wilson, in the summer.
Wilson has struggled with injuries in recent years and his contract expires in June. His departure will allow Isak to further cement his status as the club's number 1 striker by taking over Alan Shearer's squad number.
Newcastle paid Real Sociedad an initial fee of £63 million to sign Isak in August 2022 and are now being handsomely rewarded for that club-record investment. Last week, Howe admitted he initially had doubts about the massive spending.
“The transfer fee is always difficult. Just looking at the fee, especially for me with my background, it's so much money and I don't think I'm sure you can commit to that,” he said.
“But then you look at the quality of the player and what he can bring. I won't say I didn't have doubts because you always have doubts about new signings, especially if the player is not playing in the league. There would always be are questions that Alex should answer.
“But I had very little doubt about his qualities. After watching him a lot, he was outstanding, and I loved everything about him. It's a wonderful feeling when he comes through the door, and after a few hours you're still in love with him, working together for days.”
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