Newcastle may be forced to sell some of its key players this summer to balance the books, and Alexander Isak is a target for Arsenal, who attempted to sign him two years ago.
Alexander Isak has stated that he has no plans to leave Newcastle this summer, but has allowed that “things can happen” in response to reports that the club may be obliged to sell him.
Newcastle disclosed £150 million in losses over the last two years in January, raising worries that they may have violated the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. The club’s chief executive, Darren Eales, said that they might trade players if “the offer is too good to refuse” or there was another reason to do so.
Isak joined Newcastle for a club record cost of £63 million from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022, and he has 26 goals and three assists in 57 appearances. He is under contract with the Magpies until June 2028, but a move could be on the cards this summer, with Arsenal reportedly interested.
The Gunners pursued Isak in January 2022 and continue to keep an eye on him. Mikel Arteta wants to sign a new centre-forward in the summer to compete with Gabriel Jesus, and Eddie Nketiah is once again linked with a move. Isak is on Arsenal’s shortlist, with Brentford attacker Ivan Toney.
But, speaking after Sweden defeated Albania 1-0 on Monday, Isak dismissed any talk of a transfer. “It doesn’t bother me too much. “It has been discussed many times, in many windows,” he stated. “I view it as such a thing. Everyone knows that summer is approaching, and if things appear, things can happen, but I haven’t even considered it.”
According to reports from January, Newcastle are set to sell Isak, star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, centre-back Sven Botman, and homegrown players such as Sean Longstaff in order to balance the books. With the team 10th in the Premier League, another season in the Champions League is not on the cards in 2024/25, therefore the club will lose a valuable revenue stream.
In January, after Isak impressed against Manchester City, former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand stated on his FIVE podcast: “Alexander Isak was rushing in behind frequently [against Manchester City]. If I were Arsenal, I’d go all out and buy him.
He then said, “Why?” They can’t spend because they’re battling with [profit and sustainability guidelines]. I believe he will advance farther before joining a team such as Real Madrid. I read somewhere that they have to sell before they can buy again.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is desperate to keep Isak. “He can go on to achieve incredible things in his career,” he stated earlier this season. “He’s still coming back to 100 percent fitness; he’s not quite there yet following his injury problems this season. However, his previous two performances and goals provide a look into his capabilities.
