What Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory means for Arsenal and Liverpool in Alexander Isak transfer chase

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Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory is unlikely to play a major part in the future of Alexander Isak, Arsenal Insider understands, amid links with a potential transfer to Arsenal and Liverpool this summer.

The Swedish international made history in the final at Wembley Stadium, scoring the Magpies’ second goal to double their lead.

It was a much-needed finish from the striker, with Newcastle going on to win 2-1 over Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup.

His goals and overall display throughout the campaign have shown why Arsenal have been heavily linked with a transfer for Alexander Isak heading into the summer.

The Gunners are in need of a striker, but certainly aren’t alone in their admiration of the 25-year-old, with Premier League rivals Liverpool also on the scene.

With a cup win now under his belt at the club, there has been uncertainty over whether that could sway Alexander Isak towards a longer stay with Newcastle.

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Champions League could be key for Alexander Isak transfer situation

Alexander Isak finally has a trophy in his possession in England, having helped Newcastle get over the line in a final and ending their long wait for another cup lift.

The latest piece of silverware for the 25-year-old may well have an impact on his future heading into the summer for all parties involved, but it doesn’t seem to be a major one.

Arsenal Insider spoke to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey about the situation, who explained what is ahead for Isak in the months ahead, with Arsenal and Liverpool on his trail.

“The silverware will help Newcastle in terms of perhaps their contract talks and what it’s going to lead to for them but it is Champions League qualification that is key for them.

“If nothing else it’s to warrant the size of the contract Isak will be looking for.

“Although the cup win is good and part of Newcastle folklore, the League Cup success probably won’t have a major bearing on anything on Alexander Isak’s future.”

While it could certainly help for the buy-in of the project at Newcastle, there certainly remains some competition surrounding his future in the transfer window.

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Extra Champions League places in the Premier League may hurt Alexander Isak transfer chase

The race to get into the Champions League is heating up as the final stretch of the Premier League season awaits.

For Newcastle, their desire to get back into the Champions League after one season back in 2023/24 is strong, not least to help them push on with their ambitious project.

There are plenty of teams in the mix though, with teams even down in tenth still looking at Europe as a realistic possibility.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	29	21	7	1	69	27	42	70
2	ArsenalArsenal	29	16	10	3	53	24	29	58
3	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	29	16	6	7	49	35	14	54
4	ChelseaChelsea	29	14	7	8	53	37	16	49
5	Man CityManchester City	29	14	6	9	55	40	15	48
6	NewcastleNewcastle	28	14	5	9	47	38	9	47
7	BrightonBrighton	29	12	11	6	48	42	6	47
8	FulhamFulham	29	12	9	8	43	38	5	45
9	Aston VillaAston Villa	29	12	9	8	41	45	-4	45
10	B’mouthBournemouth	29	12	8	9	48	36	12	44

As it stands, Newcastle are on the brink of the top four with one point separating them from reaching it, alongside an extra game in hand.

The Magpies may be boosted further by the fact that the European coefficient of the English clubs is likely to open up fifth as an extra Champions League slot.

That, in itself, could give the outfit that much-needed boost in keeping hold of Alexander Isak over the summer.

It remains to be seen how it develops, but after a cup success, it’s clear that the next goal is qualification back in Europe’s top competition.