Alexander Isak is set to be one of the most sought-after players in the summer transfer window after his sensational goalscoring displays for Newcastle, with Arsenal thought to be leading the race
Newcastle are bracing for a torrent of interest in their star striker Alexander Isak this summer – after he guided them to their first trophy in 70 years on Sunday. Isak was influential in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph as he scored three times in the competition – including against Arsenal in the semi-finals and the second goal against Liverpool in the final.
The Swedish star now has 23 goals in all competitions for the Magpies – two away from his total tally for last season – and a trophy to boot. He could now be ready for a new challenge with the likes of Arsenal linked with a move for the 25-year-old.
Newcastle will fight tooth and nail to keep their star man and should demand an eye-watering fee for a player who still has more than three years left to run on his contract at St James’ Park.
Mirror Football has taken a look at the clubs who could be interested in making a move for Isak as the summer transfer window approaches.
Arsenal
The obvious destination for Isak. A move to the Emirates has been widely mooted by fans and pundits given Arsenal’s clear lack of a recognised No 9, and Isak would more than fit the bill.
Isak has scored against Arsenal twice this season, once in a 1-0 win at St James’ Park and again in a 2-0 win at the Emirates, both games pointing out the team’s glaring lack of attacking options.
There were murmurs Arsenal could have moved for Isak in January but a transfer never materialised, with Eddie Howe insisting there was no chance he would leave for any club.
Arsenal’s need for a new striker has only been made more obvious after an injury crisis ruled out Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for the season, while Bukayo Saka has also been out for a lengthy spell.
There’s no doubt Isak would take Arsenal to the next level after being left 15 points behind league leaders Liverpool in the title race. The team’s major sticking point this season has been their lack of a reliable hitman up front and Isak can deliver that.
Liverpool
If Liverpool were to enter the race for Isak, Arsenal would really be in trouble. The Reds look nailed on to win the Premier League and could look to swoop for Isak, particularly if they were to offload a handful of players this summer.
Mohamed Salah looks likely to depart on a free transfer while there have been reports Darwin Nunez could be sold – which could open up space for a new attacker amid claims the club are ready to tempt Newcastle with an offer.
Liverpool already have the likes of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota but neither have been prolific for the club and they will need to find someone who can replace the glut of goals Salah offered. Club legend Jamie Carragher has already dismissed the idea that Arsenal would be favourites in the race for Isak and talked up Liverpool as a possible destination.
“I don’t really get all the talk about going to Arsenal,” Carragher said on the It’s Called Soccer! podcast. “I know Arsenal would love him, but one thing I would say as well, Arsenal aren’t the only team that need a centre-forward. Liverpool need one as well.
“I think in the summer, Liverpool will be in the market for a centre forward. So I think if he was available, there’s no doubt Arsenal would go for him, but I think Liverpool would be part of that queue as well.
Real Madrid
Isak’s recent displays are good enough for any club in the world at present and Real Madrid really would be the pinnacle for him. The Sweden international already has experience playing in La Liga after spending four seasons with Real Sociedad, where he netted 44 times in 132 appearances.
That included one season where he scored 17 La Liga goals in 34 outings and Madrid will know he can deliver at the highest level – especially after watching him blitz 48 goals in the last two seasons in England.
Madrid already boast a wealth of attacking riches, including superstar Kylian Mbappe – who currently plays up front as the lone centre-forward under Carlo Ancelotti.
Mbappe’s presence might be an obstacle standing in the way of a transfer for Isak, though the Frenchman could move out wide to allow him to play up front – with either Rodrygo or Brahim Diaz making way.
In November, Isak was labelled as the missing piece that Real Madrid need by Theo Walcott. He said: “I would say that if you put Isak in that Real team then he moulds them together in a different way, where you might think they now look like a very well-balanced team. That’s the level he’s at, and I can absolutely understand why all the very top teams would want him.”
Barcelona
Another intriguing option for Isak would be a move to the Nou Camp after reports that scouts from the club watched him during Newcastle’s 1-0 win at West Ham this month.
Barcelona chief Joan Laporta is a huge admirer of Isak’s, according to the Daily Mail, and is hoping to make a marquee signing as the club prepare to return to the developed Nou Camp next season.
The La Liga side will have to start preparing for the future in the knowledge that main striker Robert Lewandowski is 36 – and will be turning 37 this summer.
Despite his age, the Polish star shows no signs of slowing down after netting 35 times this season – taking his total tally at Barcelona to 94 goals in 135 appearances. But eventually the decline will begin and Barcelona will look to bring in a younger forward who they can build the team around.
Going against Barcelona is their perilous financial position, with notable difficulties meeting La Liga’s salary cap after battling to register players this season – including new signing Dani Olmo.
Stay at Newcastle
With so many transfer stories linking Isak away from St James’ Park, would it be the worst thing if he stayed put?
Newcastle have just won a trophy for the first time since 1955 and appear to be on the cusp of building something special under Eddie Howe. They’ve already qualified for the Champion League once in the last couple of years and could easily seal their place in Europe’s top competition again this season – given England is likely to be given five spots.
Newcastle are currently sixth in the Premier League table, but are just one point off Manchester City in fifth and two points off Chelsea in third. A strong end to the season could see them deliver Champions League football that Isak craves – and should he stay, Newcastle will only get better and put themselves in the running for even more success.
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