Arsenal's £90m target sees Robert Lewandowski claim made amid Barcelona interest

Arsenal have been admiring Newcastle’s Alexander Isak ahead of the upcoming transfer window, viewing him as a key target for the summer. However, it now appears they are to face international competition with Barcelona joining the Gunners in hoping to prize the Swedish striker away from St James’s Park.

Reports from SunSport have revealed that the Camp Nou side see Isak as a potential long-term replacement for the 35-year-old Polish sensation Robert Lewandowski. It is also suggested that the Magpies will be more inclined to sell one of their star players in order to balance the books with Financial Fair Play regulations looming.

With both Everton and Nottingham Forest having already been docked points due to breaching Profit and Sustainability regulations, Newcastle are well aware that if they do not sell some of their most expensive players, they too could face similar repercussions.

Newcastle have played a £90m price tag on the 24-year-old Swedish international but Barcelona are reportedly prepared to come up with a deal. According to the SunSport’s report, sources have said: “Isak is emerging as one of the best strikers in Europe, and Barcelona have been scouting him since Christmas. They see him as a player who could come in and lead their line for the next three or four years and be a massive success.

“He has all the attributes and would be a superb signing. Although Isak is happy at Newcastle, the chance of a move to a club like Barcelona would be very difficult to turn down. Newcastle know they will need to raise funds in the summer which is why Barcelona are ready to make their move. And, at 24 years of age, his best years are ahead of him.”

Arsenal will now need to prioritise their transfer targets if they are to secure Isak’s services ahead of next season’s campaign with Mikel Arteta hopeful of bolstering the forward line. While the Gunners currently sit top of the table, by the end of the week Manchester City will have two games in hand over the Emirates club and if Arteta comes up short in the title race once again, a new striker will be a huge priority this summer.

Isak had been heavily scouted by Arsenal before his eventual move to St James’s Park in 2022. He was sold for £63m from Real Sociedad having spent time at Borussia Dortmund as well. The striker has procured 44 appearances for his country, scoring ten goals, and has contributed 17 goals in 24 fixtures for Newcastle this 2023/24 campaign alone.