According to Football Insider, Newcastle United’s exorbitant asking price for Alexander Isak has blown away Arsenal in their attempts to lure the striker. The Gunners are likely to strike out the Swede’s name on their list as they are closing in on his compatriot from Sporting CP as an alternative target.
Arsenal’s need for a new striker will hardly surprise anyone at this point, given they have suffered without a massive presence up front this season. The Gunners are working hard behind the scenes to get a top marksman in the team during the summer, with new sporting director Andrea Berta leading the way.
Alexander Isak has been mentioned as one of Arsenal’s top targets for a long time now, while Newcastle United are eager to keep him. The Magpies are seemingly on course to succeed in their quest as they could now qualify for next season’s Champions League via their league finish.
Despite the Swede entering the final two years of his deal, Newcastle United are ready to price out suitors with an asking price that could reach the £150 million mark. Hence, Arsenal are likely to bow out of the race and strike off the Swede’s name from their list of potential striker targets.
There could be a case for all of his suitors to bow out which includes Liverpool in a big way. Newcastle United are keen to hold on to Isak for next season as they will return to the Champions League if all goes well in the final two games of the Premier League season.
Arsenal are mindful of spending as much as £150 million on Isak, as it would wipe out a significant chunk of their summer budget. The Gunners already have a list of alternative names ready, as they are now closing on Viktor Gyokeres, the other Swedish striker emerging as their next favourite target.
Benjamin Sesko is also under consideration as the Slovenian has plenty of suitors, with the Gunners doing plenty of groundwork in the past. Gyokeres, for now, looks like the favourite to lead the line, as Arsenal are not in the mix for Isak anymore.
