Arsenal have been given a potential opening to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who is Mikel Arteta’s dream signing.
FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi is all but completed to strengthen the midfield, but the Gunners are primed for arguably their most ambitious summer ever and want both a striker and winger, too.
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is being targeted as a realistic option in the No.9 role but Newcastle hitman Isak has always been Arteta’s top choice.
It is thought that the Magpies’ asking price for the Sweden international would comfortably be a Premier League-record transfer fee. A figure of €150 million has been cited for the 25-year-old, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €120m.
While it still seems unlikely that Arsenal would be willing to pay that type of fee, despite Isak returning 23 Premier League goals this season, Newcastle do seem to be bracing themselves for the event of Isak leaving the club.
According to the Daily Mail, Eddie Howe’s side are studying the possibility of signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovakia international is a name who has appeared on a number of transfer shortlists for a string of major clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, but these tracks for him have grown cold in recent weeks.
Newcastle could, therefore, be a legitimate destination for Sesko – but only if Isak is first sold.
Isak key to landing Xavi
Sesko is unlikely to wind up at Newcastle largely because the chances of them selling Isak are so slim.
FootballTransfers has already detailed that the Geordies see Isak as a key building block to the future of the club, which remains terrifically ambitious.
Former Barcelona coach Xavi is being lined up by Newcastle’s Saudi owners as a potential upgrade to Howe in the dugout, with the Catalans’ reputation thought to be key in helping them secure world-class talent.
In order to secure Xavi, Newcastle have to show themselves capable of mixing it with the best, and that means keeping Isak out of Arsenal’s clutches.
Football transfer news headlines today
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
