Arsenal on alert as Newcastle United star stalls on new deal | OneFootball

Alexander Isak is continuing to stall on a new contract with Newcastle United, reportedly putting Arsenal on high alert.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James Park on January 13, 2024. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Alex Crook reports for talkSPORT that Alexander Isak is stalling on signing a new contract at Newcastle United, despite months of talks with the club.

There is reportedly no sign of progress in negotiations, and the striker wants both a release clause and to be Newcastle’s top earner if he’s going to commit his future.

Crook adds that Arsenal have a long-standing interest in Isak, and that they’re expected to push to sign a new striker next summer. Though Benjamin Sesko is also reportedly on their shortlist.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg at Red Bull Arena on September 28, 2024. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Isak’s contract isn’t particularly close to expiring, with his current deal running until 2028. But Newcastle have been keen to give the player a pay-rise to prevent him becoming unsettled, after a strong 2023/24 campaign.

The striker hasn’t been quite as effective for Newcastle so far this season, scoring one goal and assisting another in six games before breaking his two.

Isak had been impressive on international duty in September, however, scoring three goals in two games for Sweden.

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. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Crook’s update seemingly confirms previous reports that Isak would only agree to a new deal if he gets a release clause in the contract.