Alexander Isak agrees with Eddie Howe as Newcastle United to Arsenal talk resurfaces

Anthony Gordon recently became the latest Newcastle star to be rewarded with a new contract. And after scoring 25 goals last season - the first Magpies player since Alan Shearer to reach that tally - it was suggested Isak could be next.

However, it’s understood talks between United and Isak’s representatives aren’t currently active. But with the Swede under contract until 2028, head coach Eddie Howe “doesn’t see a short-term issue”.

“It’s a slightly more complex situation,” said Howe last month. “Regarding contracts, I’m not necessarily involved in those discussions day to day. I will hear bits and pieces, but 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 clear-cut situation. We, of course, love him and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads and loads of goals for us, but I don’t see a short-term issue with his contract.”

“How I feel about it is I want Alex to be focused on his football, whatever that looks like,” Howe added. “Whether that is him saying I’m fine, I’m good, I’ve got four years left on my contract, I’m happy at the football club and I just want to play my best football. That is the ideal world.

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“But, of course, nothing in football is straightforward so I’m sure there will be ongoing discussions between Alex, his representatives and the football club. But my main job at the moment is, we are outside of a transfer window, is just to get Alex fit and playing his best football, enjoying his best football and scoring goals.”

Isak was tracked by Arsenal prior to moving to St James’ Park two years ago for a club-record £63million from Real Sociedad. It is widely known that Mikel Arteta’s side retain a strong interest.

But Isak is of a similar mindset to Howe by revealing he is relaxed about his current situation.

“Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season,” Isak told Fotbol Skanalen when asked about the Arsenal rumours.

“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.

“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.”