Newcastle striker ceases contract talks after Arsenal declare interest | OneFootball

Newcastle United’s contract talks with Alexander Isak have now ceased, with Arsenal having shown an interest in the striker.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St. James Park on August 12, 2023. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Craig Hope reports for the Daily Mail that Newcastle United are now currently in contract talks with Alexander Isak.

There were preliminary discussions towards the end of last season, but the player and his camp were reluctant to commit, and talks have since ceased.

Isak’s camp weren’t keen to extend his contract at Newcastle without Champions League football. If they fail to qualify this season, sources believe they’ll seek a move.

Newcastle United’s Swedish striker Alexander Isak reacts as he warms up during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in London on May 28, 2023.(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Hope adds that Arsenal have declared an interest in Isak, with the Gunners in need of an out-and-out-striker. The report adds that Arsenal would likely be in a position to commit a British record sum on the right player.

That might be what it would take, with Isak reportedly valued at double or more than his initial £63m purchase price.

The striker only returned from injury at the weekend, playing 90 minutes against Brighton. He’d been out with a broken toe for three club games before that, as well as missing the international break with Sweden.

Newcastle United’s Swedish striker #14 Alexander Isak reacts after they concede their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on January 13, 2024. Man City won the game 3-2. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

When he has been available, Isak has one goal and one assist from seven club games in 2024/25, though he does also have three goals in two games for Sweden.

The 25-year-old clearly isn’t hitting the same levels he managed last season, when he scored 25 goals in all competitions for Newcastle. But there’s plenty of time to turn his campaign around now he’s back from injury.