Alexander Isak is the talk of the transfer town ahead of the January window, which has seen the Newcastle forward linked with Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Magpies paid a then club-record fee of £63million to land the striker from Real Sociedad in 2022, which has seen him take to the Premier League well.
With Mikel Arteta on the hunt for a centre-forward, it comes as little surprise that Arsenal are linked with Isak for a transfer, with his ability to score only underscored by his height, pace and technical skills.
Four goals and two assists in the Premier League has given Newcastle some hope of a positive campaign, though his long-term future is in doubt.
If Arsenal are to sign Isak, it may well depend on his contract stance at St. James’ Park, which is now playing out publicly.
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Newcastle fans create flag display for Alexander Isak amid contract concerns
While Isak still has over three years remaining on his Newcastle contract, there are concerns that the striker may not commit to an even longer deal to secure his future.
When speaking to Fotbollskanalen in early November, the forward wasn’t distracted by his future, claiming: “Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season.
“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.”
While that could still change with an approach from Arsenal, the Newcastle fans made their ploy to make the Swedish forward feel adored.
Several flags and TIFOs were on display hailing the striker, which could be a ploy to help nudge him towards a fresh contract at the club.
Whether that will be enough remains to be seen, though Arsenal will no doubt have their own plans to land a deal.
Arsenal transfer for Alexander Isak may have to wait
If Arsenal are to make their move for Isak, the chances are that it would be unlikely for it to go through in January.
The 25-year-old still has a relatively long contract, Newcastle are unlikely to accept anything other than a ludicrous offer at that point in the season and the striker himself seems focused on the rest of the campaign.
Where the Gunners may have an advantage is in their ability to compete at the very top immediately, something the Magpies are working towards.
The northeast outfit have featured recently in the Champions League but are far from a regular appearance maker in the competition.
While a cup final has been reached in that time too, there’s no guarantee they could be in a position to get there again.
Arsenal are ready to make that next step to win, the question is whether they do that with or without Isak.
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