Mikel Arteta tells Alexander Isak admission as Arsenal eye £150m-rated star

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted Newcastle star Alexander Isak is a "top player" as the Gunners continue to be linked with the in-form striker.

Isak - who has been valued at £150m by the Magpies - has been one of the most lethal finishers in the Premier League this season after smashing in 13 goals so far, including six goals in his last four matches.

The Gunners are understood to be long-term admirers of the 25-year-old and were tipped to make a move for him in the summer, though an switch never came to fruition.

The north London outfit are in need of more firepower after failing to sign a reliable No 9 in the summer window and now Bukayo Saka has been ruled out for the next two months, while youngster Ethan Nwaneri also faces a spell on the sidelines.

Ahead of Arsenal's Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Newcastle, the rumours were put to Arteta - who failed to shut them down and instead praised the Swedish forward.

"Yeah obviously he's a top player, he's in top form scoring a lot of goals. Trying to minimise the strength of the opposition."

The Spaniard was then asked about the likelihood of Arsenal being active in the January transfer window to which he replied: "What happens in the market, we are very alert."

Arteta was told his answer was not a "no" to new signings, and responded: "It's not a yes, it's not a no."

Isak recently commented on transfer speculation last month, saying he was happy at Newcastle and had not considered an exit.

"Throughout my career, I have never commented on rumours during the season (regarding reported transfer interest)," Isak told Swedish media. "There have been many such years where that (moving clubs) has been talked about.

"It doesn't affect me. My situation at Newcastle? I have never had any problem there and I am fully focused on my task there, that we will have a fantastic season. There are still great opportunities for that and I have no thoughts about anything else."