If Arsenal were given the opportunity to sign their dream player in the summer transfer window, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak would be lining up at the Emirates Stadium in mid-August.
The Swede has produced yet another brilliant season and his performances against Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have surely proven to Mikel Arteta that he is the player they should be looking to sign. The only problem will be trying to prise him away from the North East where he is adored by not only the fans but the club as well.
According to The Sun, Arsenal may need to pay as much as double the reported £82.9m (£165.8m) to get round the negotiating table with Newcastle. While the Gunners have not spent wild amounts for some time, that figure could even be pushed out of their comfort zone.
The only back-up for Arsenal would be if Isak wanted to push through a move away from Newcastle. However, we will not know about the prospect of him wanting to do that until the summer at the earliest.
Speaking to Fotbollskanalen in November, the forward explained his stance on leaving Newcastle and discussing rumours. “Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season,” he explained.
“There have been many such years where it has been talked about. It doesn’t affect me.
“I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle, and I have never had any problem there. I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season.
“There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else.
“The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out. Much of what I read is not true.”
There appears to be an acceptance from Isak that if a deal does not work for Newcastle, then he will not be willing to pressurise them to lower his price tag. Things could change but, as things stand, Isak’s feelings are clear and Arsenal may need to prepare themselves to explore alternative options.
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