Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak says he remains unbothered by links to Arsenal and remains focused on his football.
The Swedish international was linked with the Gunners while at previous club Real Sociedad but ended up moving to Newcastle in a club-record deal in August 2022. Now, though, fresh links have come to light amid reports that contract negotiations with his current club have stalled.
Isak signed a six-year deal when he moved to St James' Park, and has shown his worth to the team despite occasional injury issues. He has scored 35 goals in 61 Premier League appearances, with the 21 he scored last season only bettered by Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer.
He is understood to have been locked in contract talks for a number of months, though terms have yet to be agreed. The 25-year-old has fielded questions about his future while away with the Sweden squad but insists his only focus right now is what happens on the pitch.
“Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season," Isak is quoted as saying by Fotboll Skanalen (via Sport Witness). "There have been many such years where it has been talked about. It doesn’t affect me.
“I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle, and I have never had any problem there. I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else.”
Isak was also asked about reports his representatives might be frustrated with Newcastle United but gave little away. “The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out," he added. "Much of what I read is not true. So that’s about all I can say about the whole thing.”
Reports from the Daily Mail in October suggested talks between Isak and Newcastle had collapsed. It was suggested that neither party saw the need to immediately extend a deal which has more than three years left to run, though Isak's reported desire for Champions League football has been mentioned.
Since those reports surfaced, Isak scored a Premier League winner against Arsenal. His goal against the Gunners on November 2 was his third of the season in the league, and he then added a goal and an assist as Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest to go into the international break just one point outside the top four.
"We need our attacking players to contribute goals and Alex [Isak] has done that in the past few weeks with massive moments, then Joelinton and Harvey Barnes pop up with moments too," Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told BBC Sport after Sunday's 3-1 win. "We know we have players who can make that difference and I'm really pleased with that side of our game.
"Harvey Barnes did what he does. He's an outstanding player. Trying to find room for him in the team is something that I am conscious of. I'm really pleased he got that goal - I thought it was a fantastic finish."