Arsenal's two big concerns over Isak transfer as three-man shortlist emerges

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal but the Gunners could be forced to look elsewhere in their search for a new frontman.

Mikel Arteta remains a huge admirer of Alexander Isak, however, Arsenal are aware that Newcastle do not want to sell their star striker and would demand an astronomical sum if they were forced to consider cashing in on the Swede.

Isak, 25, has established himself as one of Europe's finest strikers since moving to Newcastle in 2022. His goalscoring exploits in the Premier League have not gone unnoticed, though, with both Arsenal and Liverpool thought to be keen on signing him in the upcoming transfer window.

The Gunners, like their title rivals, are in need of a new No.9. But whether or not they will see Isak as a genuinely attainable target when they prepare to make their move in the market is another matter.

As outlined in a new report by The Athletic, Arsenal's concerns over a potential move for Isak relate to Newcastle's stance on the player. Essentially, the Magpies have no appetite to sell and very few clubs would actually be able to afford to meet their demands for the striker, who is under contract for a further three years.

And with Arsenal having two other targets on their summer shortlist, it remains to be seen if they will actually move for Isak or not.

Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is now said to be emerging as a serious target for Arsenal, with the former Coventry City forward expected to leave his current club at the end of the season.

The report notes that Arsenal's new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is a long-term admirer of Gyokeres, who has amassed an incredible 85 goals and 26 assists across 92 games since moving to Portugal on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

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The Gunners have also done plenty of groundwork on RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, who was earmarked as the club's top summer transfer target ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. However, the Slovenia international opted to sign a new contract with Leipzig and there are no guarantees Arsenal will move for him this summer.

Arsenal saw an offer for Ollie Watkins rejected by Aston Villa in January after losing Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus to season-ending injuries.

Berta is expected to have a prominent say in Arsenal's summer transfer activity after being unveiled as the club's replacement for Edu over the weekend, which could indicate that a swoop for Gyokeres is more likely than Isak.

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