Isak 'taking decision into own hands' claim shows what Liverpool & Arsenal need

Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to Liverpool and Arsenal in the summer transfer window, but he has been told he doesn't need to leave Newcastle United to realise his ambitions

Liverpool and Arsenal need Alexander Isak to take matters into his own hands if they are to have any chance of signing the Newcastle striker this summer. That’s according to former Magpies midfielder Geremi, who also insists the Swede doesn’t need to leave St James’ Park to take his career to the next level.

The Gunners, who are in the market for a top-class number nine this summer, are long-term admirers of Isak. Meanwhile, Liverpool have also emerged as potential suitors as they look for an upgrade on Darwin Nunez, who's available for sale.

However, Newcastle are under no pressure to sell and would only consider letting him leave for a fee in excess of £150million, reports The Telegraph.

There has been no suggestion that Isak – whose Magpies contract has another three years left to run – is really angling for a move.

That stance from the player would need to change, says Geremi, for either of last season’s top two to land the prolific 25-year-old.

“First of all, they [Newcastle] need to keep their best players at all costs,” said Geremi, speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Club World Cup odds.

“I’m not sure Newcastle would sell Isak for any fee, but it would become an issue if the player took the decision into his own hands.”

Having won the Carabao Cup earlier this year and qualified for the Champions League, the former Chelsea midfielder and Cameroon international insists the Magpies are now on the “same level” as Liverpool and Arsenal.

Geremi added: “He had a great season and is at one of the biggest teams in the world when it comes to financial backing.

“The environment is all there and I don’t think he would gain anything by moving to Liverpool or Arsenal. I think Newcastle are at the same level. Newcastle are now contenders to win the Premier League and the Champions League.

“When they got new owners, I said it would take them three or four years and a trophy to put them in that position and now they are there. They are ready to compete because they have been built under Eddie Howe, they have the right finances and they are an attractive proposition for new players.

“New signings will have no doubt about joining the club this summer and I wouldn't be surprised if they have an incredible season.”

For Arsenal, a deal for either Benjamin Seskso or Viktor Gyokeres looks much more likely at this stage. A new number nine is seen as critical as Arsenal look to go from 'nearly men' to winners following three successive runner-up finishes in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have already been busy this summer, signing Bayer Leverkusen pair Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. The former has now completed his transfer, which could rise to £116m – meaning the Reds have already broken the British record this summer.