Arsenal 'on alert' over clinical £63m striker amid stalled contract claims

Arsenal have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of a new striker with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak still not signing a new contract at St James’ Park.

This summer was filled with reports that the Emirates club were seeking a new out-and-out striker with a plethora of names linked with the move. Isak was one such star, but RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen were also on the list.

Now, however, the Swedish goalscorer has put the Gunners on high alert as he continues to stall on signing a new contract with the Magpies. It had been previously reported that Isak had been talks over a new deal with the St James’s Park side for several months, but there now appears no obvious signs of progress.

TalkSport has reported that the 25-year-old is demanding a pay packet that would make him one of the top earner’s at Newcastle, as well as a release clause in order for him to commit to his future.

The Magpies had previously suggested they would want close to £200m for Isak as they fought off significant interest from the Gunners, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain during the summer.

While it is not yet known how much Eddie Howe’s side would be asking for him in the next two transfer markets, as Isak is still contracted until 2028 the Magpies remain in a strong negotiating position to cash-in significantly from any potential sale.

Isak, who is the youngest-ever goalscorer for his national side, has been with the Magpies since 2022 after being sold for £63m from Real Sociedad. He finished the 2023/24 campaign on 21 league goals, ranking him as the third top scorer in the division behind Erling Haaland (27) and Cole Palmer (22).

Isak also enjoyed having the second best minutes-per-goal out of anyone in the top 20, scoring a goal on average every 108 minutes. He has gone on to score one goal and contribute one assist in his five Premier League matches so far this term. The striker could be back in action this weekend to face Brighton but has missed the last three outings due to a broken toe.