Arsenal will NOT be able to afford a record fee for Isak this summer

Arsenal cannot afford the British-record transfer fee it would take to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle this summer.

Sources say owner Stan Kroenke is extremely unlikely to sanction a move for the 25-year-old, with the focus for now on outgoings.

We understand the Gunners will listen to offers for striker Gabriel Jesus come the end of the season and Oleksandr Zinchenko could go this month. Thomas Partey’s £150,000-a-week wage is also set to be removed when his contract expires in June.

While Arsenal do not have any worries when it comes to complying with Profit and Sustainability Rules, they still have to stay within them. And, for now, that means a move for Isak is being played down by sources close to the club.

Manager Mikel Arteta is said to be a huge fan of the 25-year-old and former sporting director Edu, who left the club in November, was also an admirer. Isak’s camp are thought to be aware of Arsenal’s interest.

His man-of-the-match performance and 15th goal of the season during Newcastle’s 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final win at Arsenal this week brought home how perfect a fit he would be for the Gunners.

But unless there was a significant departure from the Emirates Stadium, we have been told not to expect an offer this summer.

Newcastle sources insist there is no asking price for a player they want to keep at St James’ Park, but it would almost certainly take a fee in excess of the British record £115m Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo if he were to leave.

Isak’s situation on Tyneside is not straightforward. He is already the club’s top earner and has a contract until 2028. However, there is no doubt a player of his calibre could demand a higher wage elsewhere.

For now, Newcastle are unable to improve his contract status because of PSR, but a return to the Champions League would likely change that stance come the summer. It would also provide the player with the platform of the top European competition he desires.

With Eddie Howe’s side currently fifth in the Premier League on the back of five straight wins and a second leg versus Arsenal away from the Carabao Cup final, the chances of Isak staying at Newcastle are increasing by the day, especially with chief suitors Arsenal not in a position to afford him as it stands.