Arsenal’s long-time admiration of Alexander Isak shows no sign of going away. The Swede, who is now plugging away with Newcastle United, has been on Mikel Arteta’s wish-list dating back to his La Liga days with Real Sociedad. As the gunners once again preparing for another quest for Champions League glory and aim to overthrow Manchester City in the Premier League, their quest to find a world class centre-forward goes on. As always, the conversation comes back to Alexander Isak transfer.
The 2024/25 season has only further added to his case. Isak has 22 goals in 31 Premier League games and he has demonstrated his sharp sense of space and movement and ability to play in a variety of roles in attack. His quality in front of goal and the way he can bring others into the game has given a new dimension to Newcastle’s front line.
Isak would be a significant upgrade too for Arsenal, where the current forward line consists of hardworking but goal-shy Gabriel Jesus and inconsistent Eddie Nketiah. Isak, it is thought, has the technical grace and and composure, Arteta so admires, and would be developed in Arsenal’s possession-based style.
🚨 Mikel Arteta would love Alexander Isak at Arsenal & there is belief the player would be interested in the move. Any deal is nevertheless seen as impossible. ❌ [@MiguelDelaney] pic.twitter.com/ucNbkn8HmS
But Newcastle will not let their prize asset go cheaply, particularly following their recent Carabao Cup win and the boost of extra revenue from playing in Europe. CEO Darren Eales reportedly values Isak at well over £125 million due to his current form and immense potential for further development. There is a contract until 2028 and Eddie Howe said the other day that the striker is at the heart of their plan so Arsenal will have to do a bit more than charm and ambition there to make this move a reality.
Newcastle United’s stance is crystal clear — they have no interest in selling Alexander Isak. The Swede has now fast become the poster boy of a new era, with Eddie Howe gradually molding a system around him. Clubs have openly declared they will turn down any interest, no matter what the price.
And this resistance is not just financial. There is momentum building, on and off the pitch. This has given them their better position in the league, the winning of a trophy and a much more competent squad have allowed them to shift from a selling club to a holding one. Isak, a marquee signing back in 2022, has been the very embodiment of that vision and that ambition. Losing him now would be a sign of regression, not advancement.
🚨 Arsenal and Liverpool target Alexander Isak is expected to stay at Newcastle United this summer because his fee would be too high.
(Source: Football Insider) pic.twitter.com/KOqdspoNzZ
Furthermore, Isak himself has given no indication of being unsettled. Instead he has declared he is happy at St James’s Park and has faith in the club’s future. Although as an option Arsenal still look compelling – with Champions League football and Arteta’s project well under way – the forward isn’t believed to be pushing for his exit.
It leaves Arsenal in a tricky position. They like the player, probably have the cash, and really need him — but the timing is all wrong. Newcastle has leverage, and it is using it.
From a neutral perspective, Arsenal’s interest in Alexander Isak transfer feels like a waking dream that exists in the liminal space between ambition and reality. The temptation is clear — Isak is in line with the type of player Arsenal have liked in the past and on paper, he is a player who could quickly change their attack. But Newcastle’s strong position on the matter, with the striker also content, and the finance involved, this transfer unlikely in the current window.
Having said that, football never stops. Injuries, dips in form, financial machinations, player desires: It can all change in a heartbeat. Yes, Arsenal’s interest has not gone away — they may just be happy to wait.
At present, the Alexander Isak transfer is more a dream than a plan. But it’s one Arsenal are not quite ready to abandon.
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