Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has opened the door for Alexander Isak to join Arsenal, following a surprising comment after the match between the clubs in the Premier League on Sunday.
A single goal from Declan Rice was enough to secure the win for Arsenal, and after the game, Howe was asked about the future of the Swedish striker. Isak is considered Arsenal’s “dream signing” this summer. The London club has also been linked with Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško and Liam Delap as they search for a reliable centre-forward.
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Although Arsenal would like to sign the 25-year-old Isak, it has been assumed that Newcastle’s sale price will be too high. There have been rumours of a bid of as much as 150 million euros.
Howe refused to dismiss a possible transfer for the former Real Sociedad player. “I never guarantee anything about anyone playing,” Howe told Sky Sports. “This isn’t about Alex’s future – I’d be a fool if I sat here and promised something like that.”
“We want to keep our best players. I’ve been saying that the whole time I’ve been sitting in this chair. We have to keep our strength pills and bring in more good players to get better, because the ambition of the club and everyone associated is long-term success. That’s the only way we can achieve it.”
Despite Howe’s words, Newcastle still seem to be keeping Isak this summer.
According to TBR Football, the Magpies have improved their financial situation in terms of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). They also plan to extend the contracts of Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali.
For Isak to leave Newcastle, a monumental bid is likely to be required – something Arsenal are unlikely to be willing to give, as Mikel Arteta’s squad also needs reinforcements in midfield and at full-back.
After the 1 – 0 loss against Arsenal away at the Emirates, it is historically close at the top. Liverpool have already won and Arsenal are ready for the Champions League. One point separates five teams in the Champions League race for the last three places.
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