Arsenal are on red alert after Alexander Isak's talks with Newcastle over a new contract reached a stalemate.
Isak is in his third year at St James' Park and has caught the eye after scoring 36 goals in 73 appearances. Last season, he became the first Magpies player to register 20 or more goals in all competitions in a top-flight season since Alan Shearer in 2003/04.
The Swede has had his share of injury issues though and is currently sidelined with a broken toe. But his performances for Newcastle have drawn the interest of several top teams around Europe.
One of those is Arsenal, who are keen to upgrade their options at centre-forward. Isak remains a top target for the Gunners, though he still has more than three years to run on his contract.
While there is that lengthy period to go on his current deal, Newcastle have been attempting to tie him down to a new deal. But according to talkSPORT, Isak is stalling on putting pen to paper on that offer.
The striker has been in talks with Newcastle chiefs for several months, but there is no sign that those negotiations are progressing. One of the main roadblocks to an agreement is Isak's demands to be made Newcastle's top earner.
He also wants a release clause added to the deal in exchange for his signature. The two sides are at a stalemate, with Arsenal now sizing up a move for the 25-year-old.
His boss at Newcastle, Eddie Howe is clearly a huge fan of him, having branded the striker 'world-class' towards the end of last season. Howe shrugged off the links with a move as he insisted fans should enjoy watching Isak.
“I think he is, yes, I think he is [world-class]. For me, I think the biggest thing is would I swap him with anybody else? No, I wouldn’t. When you look at his age profile and what’s to come, you look at his attributes and his qualities, he’s some talent," he said in April.
“I think we should just enjoy his performances, how he’s playing at the moment. He’s full of confidence, he looks physically in a really good place and I just think it’s a great thing to watch him play currently.”
The fact his talks over a new deal have stalled will only serve to entice Arsenal into stepping up their interest. The Gunners sold Eddie Nketiah in the summer so have space and a need in the squad for a new centre-forward.
Isak would also be able to provide the goals which many pundits believe Mikel Arteta's side are lacking for their Premier League title challenge. A move is more likely to come in the summer window, especially if Isak's contract impasse continues.
Heacnstuz
7
Arsenal plz go for Victor Gyokeres