Newcastle United star top of Arsenal’s summer shortlist | OneFootball

Alexander Isak is at the top of Arsenal’s list of centre-forward targets this summer, but Newcastle United are very unwilling to sell.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St. James Park on August 12, 2023. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Miguel Delaney reports for the Independent that Alexander Isak is now the first name on Arsenal’s shortlist of strikers for a summer transfer, but Newcastle United are strongly resistant to a sale.

To show their faith in him, Newcastle plan to offer Isak a new deal. They’re under pressure from the PSR regulations to sell if they want to buy this summer, but they view Isak as a player they need to keep around.

It seems it would be up to Isak himself to push for a move.

Mikel Arteta sees a lot of value in Isak, but Arsenal have a set price and don’t want to go back and forth in a protracted transfer saga.

If a deal proves difficult to complete, the Gunners will move on to the next name on their shortlist.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak reacts after they concede their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on January 13, 2024. Man City won the game 3-2. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Alex Crook recently reported for talkSPORT that Newcastle United wanted to stave off interest from Arsenal by offering Isak a new contract.

The striker is already under contract with his current club until 2028, but his deal contains a clause reducing his wages by up to 20% if Newcastle miss out on Champions League football. That is now a mathematical certainty.

Isak looks to be a great option up front, with 23 goals in 36 games this season at the age of 24, and an existing relationship with Arsenal star playmaker Martin Odegaard from their time together at Real Sociedad.

April 11, 2021, Valencia, Spain: Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad seen in action during the Spanish La Liga football match between Real Sociedad and Valencia CF at Mestalla stadium. Copyright: Xisco Navarro Pardo

Yet an Arsenal deal looks very unlikely given how much Newcastle would demand. The fact they’re pushing for Isak to sign a brand new contract only emphasises their desire to keep him.

“He’s an outstanding talent and no one connected with Newcastle would want to lose him,” Eddie Howe said recently.