Newcastle striker Alexander Isak is one of a number of big names mentioned in connection with an Arsenal switch after Mikel Arteta’s comments about the club’s plans
Arsenal have been warned a move for Alexander Isak might not be as straightforward as it seems. The Sweden marksman is one of a number of strikers linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, along with international team-mate Viktor Gyokeres and Slovenia star Benjamin Sesko.
The Gunners have yet to decide which man to make their primary target, but are reaching a key point when it comes to Gyokeres. The Sporting star has 53 goals in all competitions this term, helping the Lisbon club retain their Primeira Liga title, and counts Arsenal and Manchester United among his potential suitors.
If Arsenal do decide Isak is their man, they’ll need to convince Isak to move away from Newcastle given the fans’ feelings about him. Indeed, former England star Teddy Sheringham wouldn’t be surprised to see the former Real Sociedad man – who would likely cost significantly more than Gyokeres – stay put.
“I think, you know, he’s absolutely lauded as a centre forward in Newcastle, so why would he want to go,” Sheringham told Prime Casino. “He might not want to change. It doesn’t get much better than fans loving you, and your team playing to the best aspects of your game, and you are the focal point. You’re earning good money and you’re in the team.
“You’re playing at the top level and players understand you and your manager loves you. So, you know, you, I’d be very surprised if he would want to go anywhere else at the moment.”
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Newcastle’s Champions League fate could well be a factor. Victory over Everton in their final game would ensure a top-five finish and give Isak another shot at a competition in which he has scored just once.
“They’re a club moving in the right direction, won their first trophy in 70-odd years this season,” Sheringham continued. “I think all of their top players will want to stay, and I think it would take ridiculous money to get one of Isak, [Anthony] Gordon or [Bruno] Guimares out of the club now. They don’t have to sell them with the carrot of Champions League football.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was asked about the club’s transfer plans in a press conference ahead of the final game of the Premier League season. “If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market, no?” the Spaniard said, though he was reluctant to name specific players when discussing summer plans.
“Understanding that the context can change tomorrow, we cannot rely just on the numbers that we had before,” he added, pointing to the injury crisis which disrupted Arsenal’s title charge this season. “We have to add goals, creativity, and we have to add numbers, and that will be in different positions.”
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