'There have been many' - Arsenal-linked striker issues verdict on transfer links

A reported Arsenal target has issued an update on his future amid talk of a move next summer. The Gunners have resisted signing an out and out goalscorer in each of the last two seasons, with Kai Havertz coming in as a striker, but the German is more of a systematic striker, even if he does contribute with goals.

Many have suggested that a goalscorer is what Arsenal are missing in their bid to land a first Premier League title in more than two decades, but Arteta disagrees. If Arsenal miss out on the title again this season, that might have to change, with pressure likely to build on the Spanish boss as time goes on and more money is spent.

One striker linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium is Newcastle United frontman Alexander Isak. The Sweden international would cost huge money, under contract until 2028. It’s likely Isak will cost at least £80million, and that would be big investment for the Gunners given their spending over the last couple of years.

As for Isak himself, he is not contemplating a move currently, remaining focused on the task at hand. “Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season," Isak told Swedish publication Fotbal Skanalen during international duty. "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." He added: “The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out. Much of what I read is not true. So that’s about all I can say about the whole thing."

Howe remains calm

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe remains calm over the situation, with Newcastle having Isak tied up long-term. "I think with Alex he's got a long contract anyway and we have to be really careful regarding our spending due to PSR. It's not a clearcut situation. Every decision we make as a football club has a knock-on effect," Howe has said previously.

"We, of course, love Alex and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads of goals for us, but I don't see a short-term issue with his contract. At this moment in time, Alex just needs to focus on his football.

"Whether that is him saying, 'I'm fine. I've got four years left on my contract, I'm happy at the club and I just want to play my best football'. That is the ideal world. But, of course, nothing in football is straightforward, so I'm sure there will be ongoing discussions between Alex, his representatives and the club. Alex can only help his situation by playing well."